From The Straits Times    |

Remember the tenacious, doe-eyed mermaid in the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie? The role introduced international audiences to Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey; the 25 year-old French Spanish actress who was also nominated as one of Vogue.com’s 10 best-dressed “up-and-comers” just last month.

Last week, Singapore cinema-goers were able to see Àstrid on screen in La Fille du puisatier (The Well-Digger’s Daughter, 2011) at the 1st Rendezvous with French Cinema.

Astrid Berges-Frisbey in La Fille du puisatier, The Well-Digger's Daughter The Well-Digger's Daughter: La Fille du puisatier movie poster

Actress Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey in The Well-Digger’s Daughter

Directed by established French actor Daniel Auteuil, the beautifully-shot film is a remake of the 1940 classic by writer filmmaker Marcel Pagnol. Àstrid’s teenage character returns from the city to her family in rural France but a short affair with a young pilot leaves her pregnant during the Second World War.

Lest you think that she’s just a pretty face, the actress has been acting on French television since 2007; she also played the female lead in independent Spanish film El sexo de los angeles (2011) right after Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011).

The young actress feels that she has much to learn and she’s still in awe of the actors and actresses that she had worked with. She found it “a real gift” to work with the “admirable” Daniel Auteuil.

While it’s a pity that Àstrid was unable to attend this year’s French film festival — crushing some hearts in the process — we were able to quiz the actress on her films, her fashion style and more over an email interview.

Here are seven quick facts that we learnt about the actress:

1. She’s one hardworking actress. Àstrid had only a weekend in between Pirates and The Well-Digger’s Daughter; just enough time for her to travel from the south of France to Hawaii and to start preparing for her role in Pirates. She even “used to go on set (of Pirates)” on her days off, “just to learn, looking at them (Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Stephen Graham and other actors) working.” On top of that, the diligent actress learnt English on the set of Pirates.

2. She’s still entranced by Disney magic. The Pirates world premiere at Disneyland Park, California, is her most memorable red carpet event so far. The actress found the event so “unbelievable”; she loved how the all-black carpet “cross(ed) all (around) Disneyland!”

3. For her next role, she’ll like to express her more “masculine” side, as a refreshing change from the feminine roles that she has been playing so far. At the same time, the demure actress resists having a next ideal role in mind or a “dream role” to aspire to; she loves the element of surprise that a new, unexpected casting can bring.

Film still of Astrid Berges-Frisbey in La Fille du puisatier Film still of Astrid Berges-Frisbey in La Fille du puisatier

Film stills from The Well-Digger’s Daughter (2011)

4. She loves Chanel and “the spirit” of the fashion house. Àstrid is frequently seen wearing designs by the French luxury label, off and on the red carpet. Her favourite shoe designer? The shoes of British designer Ruppert Sanderson; the actress attended his 10-year career anniversary celebrations at Bellamy’s in London.

5. The actress has discerning taste in fashion.
While she does favour certain labels, she’s less keen on “total looks” from a single luxury house; she would much rather mix luxury brands creatively with high-street labels. She’s also supportive of young French design talents; Àstrid particularly adores the designs by Maxime Simoens.

6. Her fashion style: “simple, comfortable and a bit of ‘rock ‘n roll’ in it”. Àstrid’s favourite wardrobe item is a stylish leather jacket. Handed down from one stylish mother to her fashion-savvy daughter, the hold jacket was practically her mother’s “uniform” while she was working at Chanel.

7. She appreciates a little mystery. The lizard tattoo on her right foot carries great personal significance to the actress; however, she remains mum on the subject. Àstrid’s apologetic about the secrecy around her tattoo but she “keep(s) that (its meaning) for me”.

Tickets to film screenings for the Societe Generale Private Banking 1st Rendezvous With French Cinema are priced at $11 each. The film festival runs from now to December 13; book your tickets through Sistic, Cathay, Golden Village and Shaw Theatres. For more information, visit www.rendezvouswithfrenchcinema.sg.

Coach ID Lanyard
Now $75
Original price: $168
Shop Now
Jabra Elite 4 Wireless Earbuds
Now $88
Original price: $162
Shop Now
BaByliss Air Pro 2300
Now $63
Original price: $144
Shop Now
Abib Collagen Eye Patch
Now $19
Original price: $35
Shop Now