Page "Juliette Binoche" Paragraph 13

The 1990s saw Juliette Binoche inaugurated as a European leading lady in a series of international films that were critical and commercial successes winning Binoche much praise and numerous awards for her performances.

This period saw her persona develop from that of a young gamine to a more melancholic, tragic presence.

Critics suggested that many of her roles were notable for her almost passive intensity in the face of tragedy and despair.

In fact Binoche has nicknamed her characters from this period as her " sorrowful sisters ".

Following the long shoot of Les Amants du Pont-Neuf, Binoche relocated to London for the 1992 productions of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights and Damage, both of which considerably enhanced her international reputation.

Yet, from a professional and personal point-of-view, both films were significant challenges for Binoche ; her casting opposite Ralph Fiennes's Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, in favour of English actresses Helena Bonham Carter and Kate Beckinsale, was immediately contentious and drew derision from the British press, unimpressed that a uniquely English role had gone to a French actress.

The film had its world premiere at the 1992 Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Reviews were poor, with Binoche being cynically dubbed " Cathy Clouseau " and being derided for her " franglais " accent.

Both Binoche and director Peter Kosminsky distanced themselves from the film, with Binoche refusing to do any promotion for the film or to redub it into French.

Damage, a UK and French co-production, is the story of a British conservative minister played by Jeremy Irons who embarks on a torrid affair with his son's fiancée ( Binoche ).

Based on the novel by Josephine Hart and directed by veteran French director Louis Malle, Damage seemed to be the ideal international vehicle for Binoche ; however the production was wrought with difficulties and dogged by rumours of serious conflict.

In an on-set interview, Louis Malle stated that it was the " most difficult " film he had ever made, while Binoche commented that " the first day was one big argument ".

Damage opened in the UK late in 1992 and debuted early in 1993 on US screens.

Reviews were somewhat mixed.

For her performance, Juliette Binoche received her fourth César nomination.