Movie Bigwig—Charles Berling - Brief Article - Interview

A REASON TO SHELL OUT SOME FRANCS

SHEILA BENSON: What kind of films are you able to make in France that you couldn't in the United States?

CHARLES BERLING: [laughs] Movies like L'Ennui [1998] [a film about sexual obsession]. Perhaps also a period film like Ridicule [1996], full of witty dialogue. But I think American independent cinema is growing up now, and it's a very good thing. It's not so good for us, because the films share the same circuits, but for the cinema in general, it's good that American independents can now have good success in France.

SB: What are you working on at the moment?

CB: I just finished Demonlover for [director] Olivier Assyas. It's with Connie Nielson, Chloe Sevigny and Gina Gershon. I like working with these actresses. Even though we have great actresses in France, this is a sign that we are moving toward a global cinema.

SB: Do you see American pop culture affecting France?

CB: Did you hear about Loft Story, the first American-style reality TV show in France? Because of this show, in two months, the participants are much more well-known than actors like me. And Loana from Loft Story, she's a star.

SB: Don't you think her fame will fade as quickly as it arrived?

CB: Yes, of course, but TV is a monster which needs that kind of thing, so it will not always be the same people [becoming famous], but it will be the same situation.

SB: Do you think the life of a star in America is harder or easier than for one in France?

CB: I think the life of a star is very hard anywhere. If you are too big a star, it's difficult to be an actor, because the system is monstrous. Better to be an actor and to disappear. Some are able to be both a star and an actor, like Robert De Niro or Johnny Depp, but it's very very hard.

Sheila Benson is an Interview contributing editor. Left: Charles Berling wears a shirt and shoes by ROMEO GIGLI and jeans by TOM FORD FOR GUCCI.

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