PRESS CONFERENCE: ISABELLE HUPPERT
The President of the Thessaloniki Film Festival, Theo Angelopoulos and Director Michel Demopoulos, happily presented Isabelle Huppert -a star of modern European cinema- to the Greek and foreign press as well as the audience. “Considering her 10-hour daily rehearsals for her new theatrical play, I’m happy to have her here with us for two days on her first visit to Thessaloniki”, said Mr. Demopoulos.
Mr. Angelopoulos recalled an important moment in his career, when he won the Gold Phoenix Award at the Cannes Film Festival, which was presented to him by Isabelle Huppert. “We just had to repeat that kiss from Cannes”, said Mr. Angelopoulos noting the significance of presenting beloved actors by the Festival. “For us, Isabelle Huppert is tied to a period of French cinema that still accompanies us”, he added.
As for her role in “The piano teacher”, which won her an award at the Cannes Festival in 2002, Isabelle Huppert claimed, “It was really a surprise for me. I didn’t expect it at all”. Concerning the dominance of the English language and the barrier it might impose on an actor’s international career, Isabelle Huppert stated that it doesn’t worry her. As a matter of fact, she mentioned the recent international appeal of Asian cinema as an example. “Cinema is an international language based on imagery”, she said.
The cinema of a star
As a modern star of cinema, Isabelle Huppert was asked whether she considers herself a star or an intellectual. “I can’t imagine myself doing what I do without a certain contemplation, a reflection. What interests me more is to give meaning to my work and find common ground with the directors I work with in order to share our common concerns”, she said. “Hollywood stars envy us because in Europe we present interesting female characters with more depth”.
Honorary screening
Isabelle Huppert also spoke about her new film Les Soeurs Fachees, whose worldwide premiere screening will take place in Thessaloniki, at the Olympion theatre on Sunday, November 21st. The press conference ended with a focal comment by Isabelle Huppert about acting in modern cinema. “Cinema has changed in recent years and actors have to delve deeper. Cinema is a tool for the pursuit of truth and actors must partake in this tool, giving meaning and depth to their roles, just like Robert De Niro and Montgomery Clift have done”.
