Diane Kruger: “There are images that stay on my mind and make me think – this is what I expect from a film”

Film directors on both sides of the Atlantic, whether they be Tarantino and Petersen on one side or Klapisch and Canet on the other, want to see Diane Kruger shine in their films. The actress started her career in France, before playing Helen in Troy, alongside Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom. Kruger is a versatile, hyperactive actress, who has been on the bill of nearly thirty films in ten years.

You alternate between French and American cinema, you play in great productions and low-cost films. Why is it important for you to have many different experiences?

I feel at home with French cinema. I am neither French nor American. It’s as though I am invited to take on a role in all the different worlds of cinema. I never purposely say that “this time, I’m going to work in France”. I find the roles given to women in European cinema more interesting than those in the USA. Films tend to be more realistic in Europe, whereas in the USA, they make blockbusters which are a far cry from the real world.

How do you enter a role? Do you have a special way of preparing the characters you play?

It depends on the roles I’m given. Some of them require a lot of research. I recently played Marie-Antoinette in Farewell, My Queen, for which some historical research was obviously necessary. We visited prisons in France, and I spoke to imprisoned women, for the film Anything for Her. Other roles leave a lot to imagination.

Could you tell me about your greatest cinematographic adventure?

I remember Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon. When I saw it, it made me very angry, especially as I’m German. I was really filled with wonder at the way he unveiled his message. There are still images that stay on my mind and make me think – this is what I expect from a film.

Is there a role which you secretly dream of playing?

I can’t say – I think I’ll know that when it happens, I may realise that I have the role of my career. There are obviously people who have inspired me but I’m not sure that I want to play out their role.

Can you recommend a film to seduce someone?

Les Choses de la vie (The Things of Life). I love Romy Schneider and the film is wonderful. The Rules of the Game is another good one. I think it’s the greatest Renoir film. If I was trying to seduce someone, it’s something to share, like a book.

Interview directed by TK