Juliette Binoche Responds Playfully to Timothée Chalamet’s Controversial Remarks on the Arts
Academy Award-winning French actress Juliette Binoche addressed recent comments made by fellow actor Timothée Chalamet during a masterclass at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival on Wednesday. Chalamet, nominated for the “Marty Supreme” Oscar, had expressed concerns about the state of cinema during a town hall event hosted by CNN and Variety, suggesting that he wished for movie theaters to avoid the fate of ballet and opera—art forms he claimed are struggling due to waning public interest.
When asked to comment on Chalamet’s remarks, which had drawn significant backlash from various figures within the arts, including critics and ballet professionals, Binoche humorously responded, “I thought cinema was a dying art.” The actress, who is in Thessaloniki for her directorial debut, “In-I In Motion,” acknowledged the controversy but quickly moved to downplay its significance.
“It doesn’t matter what he’s saying. It doesn’t matter. Don’t make it big,” Binoche stated. She emphasized the importance of what brings joy and fulfillment to individuals, reminding the audience that not all films resonate meaningfully.
During her hour-long session, Binoche delved into the creative journey of “In-I In Motion,” a documentary showcasing her collaboration with British dancer and choreographer Akram Khan in 2008. The film, comprised entirely of rehearsal footage and recordings from the live performance, has received attention following its premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival and its upcoming screening at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen.
Variety critic Guy Lodge praised the film for granting viewers unprecedented insight into the artistic process, noting the compelling dynamic between the two leading artists as they explore their craft.
Reflecting on her nearly 20-year journey to realize this project, Binoche shared how her experiences in dance and acting have shaped her creative approach. She encouraged aspiring artists to “be yourself” and “trust your intuition,” highlighting the value of individuality in artistic expression.
Binoche also recalled the influence of the late Robert Redford, who encouraged her to transform her acclaimed stage performance with Khan into a film. “I could hear what Robert Redford said to me, ‘You’ve got to make a film out of this show,’” she recalled, reflecting on the accountability she felt in bringing that vision to life.
As the conversation turned towards the art of documentary filmmaking, Binoche acknowledged her position in front of the camera while paying tribute to the late Frederick Wiseman, a revered documentary filmmaker. She recognized the significant yet often overlooked contributions of documentary professionals, whom she described as “warriors” dedicated to unveiling the truth through their craft.
“The struggle these filmmakers endure is worth it because we need their work to understand the realities of our world,” she said, emphasizing the vital role that documentary filmmaking plays in contemporary society.
The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival is scheduled to run from March 5 to 15.
Source: Original Source
