Juliette Binoche

I was used to theatre classes. I studied with my mother; she was a theatre teacher and directed, too, so it was very family-like. Then I studied with a great teacher in Paris, and she was wonderful; she pushed me, but she was a warm soul.

It's not a struggle to be on a diet. You feel lighter, and your spirit is lighter, too. But I love chocolate, and I allow myself to have chocolate. That doesn't go against a diet for me.

I'm a fighter as a mother. I'm fighting to be a mother, but I cannot say no to my passion because it's me, as well.

I love the unknown. I think because it brings fear, and to embrace fear is the best feeling.

In a building with apartments, of course, you want to make connections. Life is easier that way. There's salt if you don't have salt; you can knock at someone's door, like in any city. But you know, you can hear the others, and you want to sleep, you get annoyed.

It's never been my purpose to become an American icon, or more famous or richer.

I believe that being an actress or being involved in a movie has to be a life experience, otherwise why go for it? I have to change me, and I have to learn things, and I have to push me and my limits. By acting, I find a freedom inside of a prison in a way.

I've never thought of my characters as being sad. On the contrary, they are full of life. They didn't choose tragedy. Tragedy chose them.

What I need is to express my passion for life... It's movement I'm interested in, the life in me, the life in humanity.

I think it's the same simple thing for everyone - to be happy, and have love in your life.

I've been changed watching films or reading books or hearing music, and that helps you to live your life.

My private life is very private, and I have chosen not to live in America or England, where you are so exposed and can't fight against it.