Juliette Binoche Responds to Timothée Chalamet’s Ballet Comments, Declares Cinema is Dying
At a recent event, acclaimed French actress Juliette Binoche responded to Timothée Chalamet’s remarks on ballet and opera, stating that cinema is dying. This interaction took place during a Q&A session at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, where Binoche was promoting her directorial debut, “In-I In Motion.”
Chalamet’s Controversial Statements
Timothée Chalamet, known for his role in “Marty Supreme,” expressed concerns at a CNN & Variety Town Hall Event about the fate of movie theaters. He compared the current state of cinema to that of ballet and opera, where artists strive to keep these art forms alive despite dwindling public interest.
Binoche’s Insightful Response
During the festival, Binoche was asked for her opinion on Chalamet’s comments. Initially surprised, she quickly emphasized that discussions around the matter shouldn’t be amplified. She stated, “What nourishes your heart and soul is what is important,” suggesting that not all films are fulfilling.
About “In-I In Motion”
- Film Overview: “In-I In Motion” is a documentary chronicling Binoche’s stage collaboration with dancer Akram Khan.
- Content: The film features rehearsal footage and recordings from the live performance.
- Premieres: It debuted at the San Sebastian Film Festival and will continue to CPH:DOX in Copenhagen.
In reviews, the film has been praised for offering audiences a raw glimpse into the artistic process, allowing viewers to see how both Binoche and Khan navigate new dimensions in their craft.
The Journey to Directing
During her masterclass, Binoche shared insights from her nearly two-decade journey to direct her first film. She noted the importance of embracing individual differences in creativity. “Be yourself. Trust your intuition,” she told attendees, encouraging them to be authentic.
Reflections on Industry Icons
Binoche also reminisced about Robert Redford, who had encouraged her to turn her acclaimed stage work into a film. She recalled Redford’s urging words: “You’ve got to make a film out of this show.” With the support of producers Ola Strøm and Solène Léger, her vision began to materialize.
The Role of Documentaries
While discussing documentary filmmaking, Binoche acknowledged her limited experience in the genre, yet she paid tribute to the filmmakers who commit to capturing reality. She emphasized the challenging nature of documentary work, highlighting that these artists often face financial struggles but remain dedicated to revealing truths through their lenses.
As the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival unfolds from March 5 to March 15, Binoche’s contributions and insights reflect a deep appreciation for the arts, reaffirming her belief in the soul-nourishing power of cinema.
