Bérénice Marlohe Interview For ‘Skyfall’

Daniel Craig is back as James Bond 007 in ’Skyfall,’ the 23rd installment of the longest-running film franchise in history. In ’Skyfall,’ Bond’s loyalty to M (Judi Dench) is tested as her past returns to haunt her. 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. When Bond’s latest assignment goes gravely wrong and several undercover agents around the world are exposed, MI6 is attacked, forcing M to relocate the agency. These events cause her authority and position to be challenged by Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), the new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee.  With MI6 now compromised from both inside and out, M is left with one ally she can trust: Bond.  007 takes to the shadows – aided only by field agent, Eve (Naomie Harris) – following a trail to the mysterious Silva (Javier Bardem), whose lethal and hidden motives have yet to reveal themselves. Directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Revolutionary Road, Road to Perdition), ’Skyfall’ also stars Bérénice Marlohe, Ben Whishaw, Tonia Sotiropoulou, Albert Finney and Ola Rapace. ‘Skyfall’ will begin its worldwide roll-out in the UK and Ireland on October 26th, with a North American release following on November 9th.

How did you approach your character in the ’Skyfall,’ Severine? She‘s complex and enigmatic….

Bérénice Marlohe: I felt that I could use my own personality and imagination to create my character’s style. Having that freedom, knowing that this kind of movie allowed me to be something you wouldn’t necessarily see in other movies. Severine is the link between Bond and Silva. She’s a very mysterious woman. I wanted her to have a lot of substance. Severine, she’s a love interest to Bond – which was very difficult to play (laughs). But she’s an ally, and at the same time she can be an enemy. She’s difficult to explain – which is why she was appealing to me (laughs)! She’s very complex. There’s a range of colours to play a Bond character, so I think that was very interesting. Severine, she’s really a femme fatale, there’s complexity to her – which I liked very much.

What was your reaction to being cast in ’Skyfall’? 

Bérénice Marlohe: It was funny because I felt connected with this James Bond universe for many, many years. And when I heard they were doing an audition for a role I knew I would fight so much for that (laughs). So when they told me I was chosen I felt a huge sensation of peace (laughs). It felt so good, I was so excited to work on ‘Skyfall’ and with the cast of the film, and Sam Mendes.

You joined a fantastic cast, lead by Daniel Craig’s James Bond….

Bérénice Marlohe: Definitely. What Daniel Craig brings to the James Bond part is first of all charisma, as an actor – he’s just so talented. He’s so alive and you can see everything in his eyes, you can see the inner life of the character. Everybody in this cast is great. Like Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem is also very charismatic and gifted. It was wonderful working with everyone.

What characteristics do you think make interesting “Bond ladies” in this 007 franchise?

Bérénice Marlohe: Bond ladies don’t generally look like models, they have a specific look to them. I think first of all you have to have a look that fits to the movie. And then hopefully be a good actress (laughs). I like the term Bond lady, it’s an important difference to the title, instead of Bond girl (laughs). I hope the fans will be very impressed by the two lead women in ‘Skyfall,’ with Naomie Harris and me. I hope people really enjoy our characters.

How did you find it working under the direction of Sam Mendes in ‘Skyfall’?

Bérénice Marlohe: I feel that I couldn’t find a better director to work with, most of all for my first English-speaking role. Becaus Sam Mendes is so brilliant at his work and he’s also so wonderful as a human being. He gives you a lot of freedom to act, and he’s also very humble and funny. All of that creates a great atmosphere to work in. I was so happy to have the chance to work with him on ‘Skyfall.’