STILL # 3 Isabelle Huppert as “Maria Vial” and Christopher Lambert as “André Vial” in WHITE MATERIAL directed by Claire Denis Photo Credit: © An IFC Films Release (Click to enlarge)

You worked extensively with recently deceased French auteur Claude Chabrol. What was your relationship with him and how would you describe his legacy?
Well, I think that it was an extraordinary relationship just by the mere fact that it was repeating over and over again. That made it unique. When he died, it felt like I was his daughter. It was the same kind of tolerance that you can have with one member of your family… it was almost like a home movie. That was, of course, priceless.

It seemed like the two of you had an almost telepathic connection.
Yes, but every time, being plunged into totally different universes, always very different — historical films, costumes, thrillers. Still [there was] this idea that I did not have to build up a character: I was just myself. That was a gift for me.

You’ve been described as “French cinema’s most beloved psychopath” – how do you feel about that aspect of your reputation?
It necessarily creates a sort of misunderstanding. But that comes with the territory. I don’t care. As far as I know it’s neither what I am nor what I always do, either. It looks like this part was so strong and so significant for an audience, people tend to identify me with these parts and not with the others.