French actress shines on stage and screen
Juliette Binoche (third from left) in a scene from her latest movie ‘Summer Hours (L’Heure d’ete)’
Eighteen years later she’s still got that star quality, and local fans of the well-known French actress had a golden chance to see her in person Wednesday. She was in town to promote her new film, “Summer Hours (L’Heure d’ete)” which will be released in Korea on March 26. She will also perform on stage as a modern dancer in the work “in-i,” created by British choreographer Akram Khan.
The 45-year-old actress has long captivated fans around the world with her beauty. And she’s still got it. She graced the stage at Hypertheque Nada at DongSoong Art Center in Daehangno, central Seoul, on Wednesday afternoon for a press conference and a preview of Summer Hours.
“I was very much impressed by the huge number of cinephiles in Korea,” said Binoche, who is visiting here for the first time.
Binoche arrives at a press conference for a preview of the film last Wednesday at DongSoong Art Center in Daehangno, central Seoul. Provided by Pancinema; JES
Cine France 2009’s “Retrospective Juliette Binoche” will feature seven films starring the actress, whose career has spanned more than 20 years. These include: “Rendez-vous” (1985), “Mauvais Sang (Bad Blood)” (1986), “Les Amants du Pont-Neuf” (1991), “Les Enfants du Siecle (The Children of the Century)” (1999) and “La Veuve de Saint-Pierre (The Widow of Saint Pierre, or Guillotine Tragedy)” (2000).
Binoche was humble when asked how she felt about the retrospective, saying, “I’m flattered. I don’t think I represent most French actresses because I’ve worked with directors from many different countries throughout my career.”
Many French film fans, however, seem to disagree. They refer to her as “La Binoche,” a term of endearment for her contributions to the French cinema.
“Art doesn’t need a ‘passport’ to cross the border into another country and I think active cultural exchange among countries is very important,” Binoche said.
“In the past, the West had a great effect on the East, from a cultural perspective, while now the situation has been reversed.
“I’m personally attached to calligraphy, which shows off the ‘beauty of the negative space,’” she added.
Binoche also discussed her interest in Korean films and directors. “I saw the Korean movie ‘Secret Sunshine’ last night, though I failed to finish it due to its lack of English subtitles,” she said. “But I plan to watch more Korean films during my stay here. I have heard so much about brilliant Korean directors and have developed a thirst for Korean movies.”
Binoche was also passionate when talking about her somewhat belated debut as a dancer. “As an actress, I’ve always looked for a wide spectrum of ways to express myself and dancing just happens to be one of them.
“It’s always been important for me to communicate and have relationships with other people by expressing myself in various ways,” she said. “And I’m never afraid of trying to spread my wings.”
“Retrospective Juliette Binoche” will screen two films twice a day, at 4:30 and 8:50 p.m., through March 25 at DongSoong Art Center. The event will continue on Tuesdays through April 28 at 8:20 p.m. Hyehwa Station, line No. 4, exit 1. Admission costs 7,000 won ($5.03). For ticket reservations or more information, call (02) 766-3390 or visit www.france.or.kr or www.dsartcenter.co.kr.
By Park Sun-young Staff Reporter [spark0320@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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