In India, to represent her French films, Elle s’appelait Sarah (Sarah’s Key) and Crime d’amour (Love Crimes) as part of the ongoing Third Rendez-Vous With French Cinema In India, the 50-year-old actor is currently enjoying what she calls her “furiously relaxing phase.” She travelled to Mumbai after a two-week Karnataka retreat where she “sat by the sea, did yoga and drew a bit.”

Sarah’s Key is a heartbreaking film and you’ve once again taken on a complex character. What’s your fascination with these tough roles?

I really don’t know but somehow I always like characters where I have to dig deep. It’s my instinct. I’m naturally a wary person—I’m always thinking somebody is lurking behind the trees. I’m inquisitive and I try and find a background for every role that I attempt.

In every film of yours there’s a new expression. How many of them do you have in your reservoir?

I don’t think that much about expressions but I do try and make each character different from the other. I just try and imagine myself in it or I learn that by observing others. Acting that way is a fantastic vocation because it is nothing but playing. Like a child plays imaginary games, similarly actors play the game. But I do think that you have to derive some kind of amusement from your imagination. Even if it’s a tragic event, try and get some pleasure out of it because that’s where the motive is — that’s where the energy comes from. If there is no pleasure then the energy dries up and then you go off. I approach my acting like that.

Sounds like a lot of work. How do you relax between roles?

I’m lucky. I have a house in the countryside. I cook and I’m good at it. I also do a bit of gardening, singing and looking after my kids.

Hollywood keeps knocking at your doors but you reserve a special fondness for French cinema. What draws you to France?

Well, that’s really a life choice. My kids and husband are in France, so it was going to be difficult to have an American career. The first time I went to France was at the age of 11 and since then I’ve always found a reason to go again. I joined my first drama school in Paris. Then I got selected for Prince’s film Under The Cherry Moon, which was my first taste of life-changing reality. Once again I went to France and decided instead to focus on English Television shows which were aired in America. Soon I got an American agent and publicist and then it all started rolling.

Is it true that your mom never wanted you to become an actor?

I don’t think she disapproved, but she was frightened for me. I think she’s proud now.

You have said that Hollywood is ageist. Can you share a bit about your experience?

There are exceptions to the rule but the fact is Hollywood is geared towards the youth. Most often the only parts written for actors my age are that of mothers or well, disapproving mothers. To me, playing a mother is like there being a lake—it’s just there. Motherhood is a huge part of me. I can’t imagine myself without it but there is more to me.

Most characters that you play are quite frosty and brittle. Do you think people get scared of approaching you?

Yes, I do get a sense of nervousness in people. I think they assume I’ll give them a blank look. Name some actors that you like to watch.