Audrey Tautou plays Chanel before the French designer became a fashion legend.
The last time we interviewed Audrey Tautou, she told us that her “star had reached its zenith with Amélie.” That was eight years ago, and the young French actress was still coming to terms with her new stature as an international starlet. “You can’t imagine yourself a hurricane of glory when you’re not responsible for that glory,” she said. “Nothing prepares you for it.” Unlike the optimistic pixie heroine who transformed her into a supernova success, Tautou describes herself as “profoundly pessimistic,” adding that it’s a burden to be associated with such an idealistic and kind character. “No one forgives you if you’re not being the ubiquitous good fairy, available everywhere for everyone, spreading love and happiness,” she said. “In short, everyone wants you to perform miracles — like Amélie.”
Although Tautou has starred in other romantic comedies (The Libertine and Happenstance), as well as the drama Dirty Pretty Things and the Hollywood blockbuster The Da Vinci Code, her latest film — Coco Before Chanel — will likely reignite another “hurricane” of frenzied attention. But, unlike Amélie, Tautou says that she and the legendary fashion designer share similar traits. “What links me to Coco is a certain strength of character,” explains the 33-year-old actress. “I try to find the same intensity in myself — and amplify it.” The film, which focuses on Gabrielle Chanel’s early years before she achieved her iconic fashion status, is set to debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. We chatted with Tautou about the challenges and pleasures of playing the talented, mercurial designer.
If Coco Chanel were to appear before you right now, what would you say to her? “Oh, my goodness! I would totally like to sit at her feet and hear what she has to say! She was an incredible person: brilliant, hard-edged, provocative. Toward the end of her life, she became a reactionary with a volcanic temper — a real character!”
How are the two of you alike? “The thing that makes me feel closest to her is her immense desire for independence. Like Coco, I need to keep my distance from the environment I work in. Nothing upsets me more than fame and red carpets — I always look back to the life before...”
The challenges of playing Coco on the next page ...
