Alongside Isabelle Huppert and Benicio del Toro, the legendary Vanessa Paradis is one of the Lumiere Film Festival’s esteemed guests for its 16th edition. At 51, this versatile artist has achieved it all. From catapulting to global fame at 14 with her hit 'Joe Le Taxi', she sustained a successful musical career with acclaimed albums like 'M et J' (1988), 'Bliss' (2000), and 'Divinidylle' (2007). Her modeling and acting careers have seen her work with top filmmakers such as Jean-Claude Brisseau, Patrice Leconte, Jean-Marc Vallée, and Yann Gonzalez. Despite being known for her relationship with Johnny Depp, her professional accomplishments far outweigh any tabloid fodder. She has won numerous awards for her contributions to music and cinema, and the Lumiere Film Festival is honoring her with screenings of three beloved films: 'La Fille Sur Le Pont', 'Café de Flore', and 'L’Arnacoeur'.
Euronews Culture sat down with Vanessa Paradis to discuss the festival, her aspiration to star in a musical, her concerns about artificial intelligence, and her future plans. Paradis expressed her honor at being celebrated in the birthplace of cinema, describing the experience as both flattering and emotional. She noted the festival's unique atmosphere of celebration without competition, which she found refreshing and natural.
Paradis revealed her dream of starring in a full-fledged musical, something she has yet to achieve despite opportunities in semi-musicals. She reminisced about working with iconic French actors like Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon, feeling fortunate to have shared the screen with such legends. Her filmography showcases a penchant for comedy and anti-conformism, driven by a desire for adventure and self-expression.
Regarding AI, Paradis expressed fear, particularly in its potential to undermine artistic integrity. She believes AI cannot replicate the emotional depth of human performance, citing Isabelle Huppert as an example. Looking ahead, Paradis is set to start filming a new movie and is preparing her next album, indicating a busy future. She remains hopeful about realizing her dream of a musical role.
