B.L. Jet Lag is so completely different than what audiences are used to seeing you do. Was that one of the major appeals for you?
J.R. I wasn't actually looking to do something different or something new, I am looking for people. I realize that when I look at my past, it was people who changed my life. It was people's talent and so I met Danielle Thompson, who wrote the script and directed the movie. I saw the first movie that she made and it was like a painting of a society of a group of people and I didn't know her then. I didn't know her deepness and sensibility and her talent and I discovered an amazing woman. I was like in heaven for 10 weeks. Also working with Juliette Binoche and to see how she was able to build the character to become the makeup artist, the way she moved, the way she walked; it was great. Here I am learning things from two women and this was the first time I was directed by a woman.

B.L. Did you see a difference being directed by a woman?
J.R. Nothing comes in front of you with ego, but you ended up doing exactly what she wanted. I don't exactly know how, but she did it in a very light way so that the comedy would come out. I am sure that a lot of couples who come to see this movie will laugh and cry watching it, because they will see themselves.

B.L. For most of the film it is just you and Juliette - it is very much like a play. Was this one of your more difficult roles?
J.R. One on one, it is very interesting and also you are always thinking that the audience has to be happy and not bored. Because there are only two people it gives you instability and doubts which also plays into the characters. I think that that is a very good thing for an actor, not to be too comfortable.

B.L. What surprised you about Juliette Binoche?
J.R. The capacity that she has to understand the comedic way of a scene. Most of the time she would just start laughing. I'd say, "Hey Juliette, don't laugh! We have to do it!" (laughs). That was a surprise for me.

B.L. I was telling the director that one of my favorite scenes is when Juliette comes out of the shower in her bathrobe and a towel around her head with no makeup and she looks more beautiful than she did with all that makeup. Your character knows right then and there he loves her.
J.R. Yeah, that's the first time. He's in love; yes, the crocodile is in love. Danielle said, 'when you see her with no makeup that's the beginning of the chemistry.' She approached the beginning of the couple, as the first morning after their first night together. It was very important. That's why my character was so interested in having breakfast with her. Wow, it really works.

B.L. Have you ever been stranded in an airport and have you ever thought about it being fate?
J.R. It's true, I can think of how many times I've been caught. I remember once in Mexico, in Acapulco! I had an appointment in Paris and they said 'no more flights from Mexico' and all I could think of was 'how can I reach Paris?' You start using your mobile phone like a crazy guy and it's not working, so it is true. Also, then at the second level it is no man's land at an airport. In the movie he is coming from New York and she is going to Mexico and that way it makes it an international story. I am so sure that a lot of people will recognize themselves in a funny way.

B.L. Your character is a chef, did you have to take up cooking for the role and did you find a new passion?
J.R. Yes I did. I really like to cook and I think that it is very important to share a meal with somebody and have a glass of wine. It is proof of something happening because you don't want to eat with someone who you don't feel comfortable with. I learned how to cut the vegetables, you put your finger above the knife so that you can cut really fast and I learned my lines cutting vegetables in my kitchen.

B.L. Whether it's been in French or English you have worked with so many amazing actors and directors over the years. Do you aspire to work with anyone that you haven't had the chance to yet?
J.R. There are a lot of people. Lets see, Wim Wenders I would like to work with a lot. Roberto Benigni is another example. When I recently saw him in Los Angeles I asked him, "Quando.. when are we going to do something together?" Again, it's all about meeting people and reaching in and get some light from them.