Vanessa Paradis has sung record-breaking albums (including her international hit ‘Joe Le Taxi’), has acted in 12 movies, with blockbusters like Elisa (1995), became the face of Chanel at the age of 19, and broke a million hearts when she hooked up with Johnny Depp over 13 years ago.
Now in news for her film, ‘Heartbreaker’, released in 2010 and soon be released here, Paradis, 39, gets talking about her roller coaster journey to stardom. Paradis plays the role of an heiress caught between two men — her billionaire fiancé and a professional lothario (Romain Duris) hired by her disapproving father to break them up.
Tell us about your role in ‘Heartbreaker’
Juliette is the girl who seems to have it all, riches that enable her to stay in plush hotels in Monaco, the perfect man and a sweet, demure personality. However, my character is not the most attractive thing of the project.
Any anecdotes you want to share?
We have a few American influences in this movie, ‘Dirty Dancing’ being just one of them. So while dancing with Romain Duris, there was a lot of foot stomping and crushing. We almost fell more than 20 times!
Do you share any character traits with Juliette?
Juliette is intelligent, financially independent, unperturbed and she loves luxury, so all these are the same as I live my life. Juiliette is ravishing, distinguished, and attractive as well. She, however, hates injustice and that is something I admire.
What was your first reaction when director Pascal Chaumier approached you for his debut feature?
The script made me laugh, I was charmed. Usually, I’m more drawn to dramatic scenarios but I liked the director’s vision, and I liked the idea of Romain Duris playing Alex, which was rather unexpected as he doesn’t usually act in this genre.
Reports say that you will be starring opposite Johnny Depp in an upcoming movie.
Yes, we are soon to start shooting on our latest film, ‘My American Lover’, about French writer and philosopher Simone de Beauvoir, in which I will be united on screen with Johnny.
You have been modelling, acting and singing. What intrigues you the most?
I started my career at 14. For me, work is not just about putting food in the fridge. I need to really enjoy what I do. This is exactly what intrigues me. As long as you enjoy what you are doing, the tough get going.
What inspires you in life and this profession?
Someone who has been an inspiration is Marilyn Monroe. Moreover, the work I do, be it singing or acting, inspires me a lot. ‘Heartbreaker’ is scheduled to release on January 13.