Consistently sought after by Europe’s premier directors, French actress Juliette Binoche has amassed a stunning resume that includes a Best Supporting Oscar for “The English Patient” in 1996. With no concern for the idea of celebrity or recognition, it is the work that most interests her – even turning down the Dr. Sattler role in Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” to make “Blue,” the first in the internationally acclaimed trilogy by Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieslowski.
Born in Paris in 1964, her parents – both involved in the arts – divorced four years later. Juliette spent most of her formative years away at a boarding school. It was during this time when she became attracted to theater. By 18, she was studying acting at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts of Paris. In just a short period, it was clear Juliette was going to be a major figure in both French theater and film. Her first English language picture, “The Unbearable Lightness of Being,” garnered worldwide praise for her performance. Now 25, and at a pivotal point in her career, Juliette decided to remain in France and work there.
In the early 90s, Juliette worked the London stage for a time and earned a Golden Globe nomination for “Blue” in 1993. The trilogy was completed by 1994 and Juliette took time out to begin raising her family. Her Oscar came two years later, one of nine for “The English Patient.” In 2000, she worked alongside Johnny Depp in “Chocolat” as well as assuming the lead role in “Code Unknown” for the great Austrian director Michael Haneke. The pair teamed up again in “Cache” in 2005, an enormously successful film on both sides of the Atlantic. She continues to work both the stage and screen with continued enthusiasm, exploration, and ultimately, great triumph. Her appearance in the American comedy “Dan in Real Life” will hopefully alert new audiences to this major talent, and who may be surprised to find Juliette in her 40s – she seems to grow in attractiveness as she ages. Maybe it’s just aging gracefully.
Juliette on the Screen
Juliette has worked with some of film’s best contemporary directors: Michael Haneke (“Code Unknown,” “Cache”), Anthony Minghella (“The English Patient,” “Breaking and Entering”), John Boorman (“In My Country”), Abel Ferrara (“Mary”), Harold Pinter (the play “Betrayal”), Chantal Ackerman (“A Couch in New York”), Lasse Hallstrom (“Chocolat”), Krzysztof Kieslowski (Three Colors Trilogy), Philip Kaufman (“The Unbearable Lightness of Being”), and last but certainly not least, Jean-Luc Godard (“Hail Mary”). Among these, “Code Unknown” was tailored for Juliette (she approached director Haneke to work with him) and is highly recommended. Juliette also has stated that her dream director she has yet to work with is Woody Allen.
Juliette Says
On Hollywood:
“As a system, I think it’s dangerous in art. The idea is to break the system.”
On celebrity:
“Being a famous actress may give you a sense of being important, but believe me, it’s just an illusion.”
On narcissism:
“I think you can become a prisoner of your own image.”