Juliette Binoche Addresses Timothée Chalamet's Comments
French actor Juliette Binoche commented on recent statements made by Timothée Chalamet regarding ballet and opera. Chalamet had previously expressed concern that movie theaters might follow the path of ballet or opera, suggesting these art forms face a lack of public interest.
During a Q&A session at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, Binoche responded to Chalamet's remarks by stating, "I thought cinema was a dying art."
She subsequently de-emphasized the importance of his comments, advising:
"It doesn't matter what he's saying. It doesn't matter. Don't make it big."
Binoche highlighted the significance of content that "nourishes your heart and soul" over films perceived as "empty."
Directorial Debut: "In-I In Motion"
Binoche attended the festival in connection with her directorial debut, "In-I In Motion," a documentary centered on dance. The film documents her 2008 stage collaboration with British dancer and choreographer Akram Khan.
"In-I In Motion" was compiled from rehearsal footage and live recordings of the completed stage production. The film premiered in San Sebastian and is scheduled for presentation at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen.
Filmmaking Perspectives
Binoche discussed the nearly two-decade process involved in developing her directorial debut. She noted that dance and acting influenced her ability to "embrace" fears.
Her advice for aspiring artists included:
"Be yourself. Trust your intuition. Don’t try to be somebody else... Just trust your difference. And go for it."
Binoche acknowledged Robert Redford for encouraging her to create a film based on the 2008 stage performance, which he had seen live in New York.
Views on Documentary Filmmaking
Binoche indicated that her primary role in "In-I In Motion" was in front of the camera, with footage captured by her sister, Marion Stalens. She paid tribute to the late documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman.
Binoche praised the broader community of documentary filmmakers, describing them as "warriors" who pursue "the truth of what’s going on" despite financial challenges and risks.
Festival Information
The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival took place from March 5 to March 15.