Astrid Bergès-Frisbey

I, Origins

Interview by James Patrick Herman  Photographs by Jeff Vespa

Where are you from? 

“I was born in Barcelona and I moved to France when I was five. My father is Spanish and my mother is basically French but half-American. People say to me: ‘You talk a lot with your hands’ and that’s very Spanish.”

 

And what’s the most French thing about you? 

“I would say my love of New Wave movies. They break the rules.”

What do you consider your big break? 

“That question is difficult. I’ve done movies in three countries — and in three languages. I was in one of the most-seen movies ever [Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides], but nobody recognizes me on the street. Maybe my big break is about to come.”

What have you heard about Sundance? 

“Over the years, I have seen many Sundance movies at the Deauville film festival in France. So I perceive it to be all about indie movies from up-and-coming directors — fresh blood — and I am very glad to discover their work. But I have no idea how cold it is there.”

Describe your character in I, Origins. 

“Sofi is a free spirit, very connected to spirituality, who lives in the moment. She is the love interest of Michael Pitt, who is a scientist. They are complete opposites in terms of their beliefs and the way they see the world.”

What do you have in common with your character? 

“I would probably say the connection she has to spiritual things. I am not religious at all, but I believe in spirits.”

What’s the buzz? 

“For people who have seen Another Earth, this is another interesting movie from Mike Cahill. He has a special way of making these sci-fi indie movies.”

Did you ever have a normal job? 

“Dozens. I have worked in bars, in shops, on horse ranches. All of my jobs were important for me because they made me learn things about people. So, yes, I know what real life is.”