Catherine Deneuve, one of France's most iconic actresses, recently opened up about her health struggles and changing priorities as she prepares for her upcoming film. Interviewed by Philippe Lançon for Vanity Fair, the 81-year-old star reflected on her experiences following the stroke she suffered in 2019, which momentarily sidelined her illustrious career.
During this rare conversation, Deneuve chose the intimate setting of Lili Wang, a chic Chinese restaurant in Paris, to discuss her life and work. It's known for its privacy and comforting atmosphere, which seemed fitting for the actress who has maintained an aura of mystery throughout her career. Remarkably, the evening also included a humorous encounter with the famous singer Mylène Farmer, who, unbeknownst to Deneuve at first, was dining nearby with her puppy. This interaction, noted for its light-heartedness, contrasted sharply with the serious topic of health Deneuve was about to tackle.
Reflecting on her stroke, Deneuve recounted how she noticed something was amiss during filming for De son vivant, directed by Emmanuelle Bercot. "I had hesitations with my lines, lapses of memory. I told them, and they immediately realized something was wrong and reacted," she explained. The incident, which took place at the hospital center of Gonesse, prompted rapid medical intervention.
After receiving treatment, she spent three weeks at Rothschild Hospital, where the experience was filled with sobering encounters. Deneuve vividly described the painful sight of young men undergoing rehabilitation for serious injuries. "Seeing all these young men hurt, amputated... it was difficult," she recalled, reflecting on how such moments force one to confront life's fragility.
By July 2020, after extensive rest and recovery, Deneuve returned to the film set, re-engaging with her passion for acting. Nevertheless, she admitted to feeling changed since the stroke. "One necessarily changes after such serious trouble. Before, I worked a lot, was always busy, and didn’t see it coming. I was simply living," she stated. This transformation has influenced her approach to her film roles significantly.
With her next project set to hit theaters soon, Deneuve's latest work titled Yōkai – le monde des esprits sees her undertaking an unexpected role as a famous singer who dies and returns as a ghost. This fantastical narrative once again marks her determination to explore new challenges. The film, directed by Eric Khoo, showcases her character's posthumous venture, offering audiences a glimpse of her resilience and creative spirit.
Deneuve's remarkable adaptability and unwavering confidence throughout her career has garnered her immense respect globally; still, the shadow of her stroke remains. "Since then, I see things differently: I choose films I want to do more sparingly, but it goes far beyond cinema", she revealed. This newfound perspective has led her to prioritize health and happiness, both on and off the screen.
The conversation with Lançon, and her candid reflections captured by Vanity Fair, come at a pivotal moment as she steps back under the spotlight. Deneuve's ability to remain relevant and inspiring even after facing life-altering illness underlines her legendary status. No longer just the beautiful lead on the silver screen, she has transformed her narrative, fostering both introspection and excitement for her future projects as she melds personal and professional growth.
Set to premiere on February 25, 2023, Yōkai – le monde des esprits promises to both delight and surprise. Drawing from her recent revelations, audiences eagerly await to see how Deneuve will infuse her personal experiences with her timeless artistry. The film stands as both her comeback and her reflection on life, creativity, and the enduring human spirit.