Can you get scared by something thats not actually here?
(MacKay was cast months later and had to learn French tout de suite.)
It premiered to raves at last summers Venice International Film Festival, after beingrejected by Cannes.
Photo: Carole Bethuel
(She and costarAdele Exarchopoulosremain the only actors to ever receive Canness Palme dOr.)
before turning in a tantalizing cameo inDune: Part Two.
Vogue: Theres a lot going in this film thats out of the ordinary.
Photo: Carole Bethuel
Did you recognize or connect to anything personally?
Lea Seydoux:All the characters I play are always meI dont think I can really play someone else.
You have to talk about yourself, otherwise you cant be sincere.
Photo: Carole Bethuel
It can take different forms, but it has to be very incarnated.
I recognized some of my fears and my questioning, as this film has also a philosophical dimension.
How did you keep your character consistent through the three very different periods?
Photo: Carole Bethuel
Shes driven by the same forces and fears, even if theyre not expressed the same way.
In 1910 they are completely repressed.
In 2014 they are overexpressed and overwhelming.
Then in 2044, they are totally suppressed.
She has this desire of lovingshes desperate to love and connect with someone.
Youve worked with Bertrand Bonello twice before this.
What attracts you to him as a director?
Im attracted by his intelligence and was drawn to his vision and cinematic language.
Curiosity is the main thing.
Acting has helped me learn things about the world and humanity.
Its like reading a book or going to a museum.
The director has noted how committed you were to making this film even after Gaspard Ulliels death.
What made you so determined?
Its because of Gaspard, for sure.
Sometimes you get films that become a necessityI felt I had to do it.
I also had a lot of freedom to try things.
Bertrand is very kind and loving, so I was in good hands.
Its always nice as an actor to feel that you are creating something with the director.
With Bertrand, it was really an artistic collaboration.
Was there one that was particularly challenging for you?
The hardest part for me was the underwater scenes because Im very claustrophobic.
But they are also the most beautiful scenes of the film.
Im also by myself most of the time in the film, which was tough.
But loneliness is the subject of the film, and I was drawn to that in the script.
Loneliness is one of the main hallmarks of contemporary life.
Youve said that you dont like to know too much about the characters you play.
Why do you find this to be the right approach?
I just want to be in the moment.
I have a very instinctive approach to acting.
This is what Im looking for as an actorI want to abandon myself.
What do you consider when assessing a role?
Making a film with a director is like having a conversation, and they all have their own languages.
Cinema is a way to question the world.
When I work with someone, Im curious to know what they think.
Its as simple as that.
But theres no premeditationI go with the flow.
The movie can be quite unsettling at times, and fear is one of its themes.
Whats something that you find unsettling today?
Im so scared of the world, to be honest.
Im lucky to live in a country where Im free, that is a democracy.
But I give a shot to find some beauty, in every sense of the word.
I attempt to surround myself with beautyit helps me to live.
People dont talk about this movie anymore, but its one of my favorites too.
What spoke to you about that movie?
I just love the fact that the baby was talking.
It was such an amazing idea.
You just did your first comedy, which willopen this years Cannes Film Festival.
DidLook Whos Talkinginfluence you somehow?
Its not really the same.
You cant really compare those.
But I love comedies.
We need joy and fun and to laugh.
Thats a way to remain alive, to be in those pure emotions.
The comedy I just did, the script was hilarious, so I cant wait to see it.
Thats what we need right now.
The world is very darkwe need lightness as well.
The Beastis in theaters now.
