Why did you choose acting?

I met [actor] Gérard Depardieu on the set of Asterix & Obelix when I was 14 because the father of my best friend at the time was working there as a technician. Gérard asked me, “Do you want to make movies?” and I said, “Why not?” I did my first movie with him, so he kind of chose all this for me.

You then starred in Inglourious Basterds but didn’t speak English at the time. Was that difficult?

Yes, I had to learn fast because I lied to Quentin and said I was perfectly fluent. I watched Gossip Girl on repeat [laughs]. That’s the best way to learn.

Which roles would you like next?

I seem to get the serious roles but comedy would be fun. I also want to direct more. I don’t like being called just an actress because people stop referring to you as a human being. They say, “You’re an actress, you’re not real, you don’t have feelings.”

What are your career rules?

Gérard Depardieu told me three things: firstly, forget acting school. Second, don’t try to learn your text and what it’s meant to be – you do it. Thirdly, he said never be afraid to be ridiculous, which was great because if you’re afraid of that you won’t do anything.

Beginners is in cinemas on 22 July

Interview: Natalie Lukatis. Photography: Corbis/REX Features

Interview: Mélanie Laurent