Interview: Actress Cécile De France on Life in Clint Eastwood’s ‘Hereafter’

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CHICAGO – Clint Eastwood’s twilight career might become his greatest period as his latest film, “Hereafter,” hits theaters. The emotional, careful exploration of life after death includes a veteran actress, Cécile De France, in the lead role as Marie. Her profound journey in the film is a primary catalyst for the poignant narrative.

The Belgium born De France began her career in French television in the 1990s, and has built a resume of films which includes the 2004 remake of “Around the World in 80 Days.” Her steady work led her to the attention of Clint Eastwood, who cast her in the lead role as Marie in Hereafter.

Contemplation: Cécile De France as Marie in ‘Hereafter’
Contemplation: Cécile De France as Marie in ‘Hereafter’
Photo credit: © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cécile De France made a stop in Chicago last week to promote the film, and HollywoodChicago.com interviewed regarding the nuances of Hereafter.

HollywoodChicago.com: What impressed you the most about the way Clint Eastwood handled his set? What was your most memorable encounter with him before or during the shoot?

Cécile De France: Clint Eastwood emulates love, really. It’s not an exaggeration, it’s real. He trusts everyone, so there is a lot of love and confidence on the set. He speaks peacefully, with a restful voice, he never restless, stressed or in a bad mood. He is simply warm and loves his work a lot.

Before he met me, but after he had chosen me for the film, he asked me to translate all my English lines to French. To garner trust even before we got on the set. He usually only does one take because he knows and trusts that you prepare your character. That is very creative, free and cool.

HollywoodChicago.com: When you received the script, what was your most immediate connection to the character of Marie. What aspect of her reminded you of yourself?

De France: That is not a question I ask myself, usually. I try to separate my life and characters. It’s to have more freedom, and to have more distance from my character for control. Of course I bring myself to the embodiment of the role, but I never compare myself to the character.

HollywoodChicago.com: Do you think, like the characters in the film, that certain people are destined to meet each other? Is it based on, do you think, what we need to learn about ourselves?

De France: Yes, I believe in destiny. But somedays, when I see an unlucky person, I think it’s stupid to think like that. Why would destiny push someone to unhappiness, or cause them to lose people in their lives? Perhaps it’s for something better, but I have no answers. For my life, my destiny, seems amazing. I’m the happiest and luckiest person in the world. So of course I believe in destiny, considering how mine has gone. [laughs]

HollywoodChicago.com: How did making this film alter or reflect upon your own opinions regarding the afterlife?

De France: Of course, because I did the research, I read Dr. Raymond Moody [”Life After Life”] and Elisabeth Kubler-Ross [”On Death and Dying”] and it was very interesting, because before the film I never thought about the subject. So I was happy to jump in with this kind of subject, because it’s a big mystery, and I love mystery.

Fleeing the Disaster: Cécile De France in a Scene From ‘Hereafter’
Fleeing the Disaster: Cécile De France in a Scene From ‘Hereafter’
Photo credit: © Warner Bros. Pictures

HollywoodChicago.com: Your character had a relationship with a man who used his power to connect with his various partners, dropping Marie after he couldn’t deal with her new consequence. Do you find that characteristic to be true in men that you meet who have power?

De France: Women do the same thing, I don’t think there is any difference.

HollywoodChicago.com: As a person who is in a similar situation as your character, relying on your relationship with your talent and the media you work for, how do you relate to her sudden falling out of favor after the circumstance of the tsunami incident?

De France: I didn’t think about that, but I will think about it now. [laughs] For me, as a professional actress, I wonder what would happen if everything stopped. But I always say to myself, I don’t have to be famous to act. My passion is like my character, who is completely obsessed with writing her book and she does it. And my passion is acting, I can act, as a non-professional or even if it’s not known. I can do it, nobody can keep me from acting.

HollywoodChicago.com: You had previously done an American based film, ‘Around the World in 80 Days.’ How did you keep your bearing around such strong personalities as Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan?

De France: I just did my job, to concentrate and adapt myself to the situation, both with my colleagues, the director and the crew. It’s my job to be a professional. It’s not easy, but again it’s my passion.

HollywoodChicago.com: Since you had the opportunity to experience both American and of course your native European sensibilities, what advice would you give to Americans on how to live more like their European cousins?

De France: I don’t see it as any better in Europe. In Europe, there are regions in each country that are as different as the regions here.

HollywoodChicago.com: Finally, have you gotten more offers to do American films after your lead role in Hereafter?

De France: Yes, some offers are for films here. I need to concentrate on three things to get involved in a project – a very good character, a very good script and a director who impresses me. I don’t care if that’s American, European, African or Asian. It’s five months of your life, so if I involve myself in a project I have to be happy about it.

”Hereafter” opens everywhere on October 22th. Featuring Cécile De France, Matt Damon, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jay Mohr and Richard Kind. Screenplay by Peter Morgan, directed by Clint Eastwood. Rated “PG-13”

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2010 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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