Answers with Marie Mouté

Answer 1

In "Welcome to New York" you star as Gérard Depardieu's daughter, Sophie. How would you describe Sophie?

Sophie is in the city when her father gets in trouble, so she is obviously going through the situation with him. Throughout the film you see Sophie being very supportive of her father, even though her life is affected by his actions and it would be easier to not support him.

Answer 2

Your performance in "Welcome to New York" is very emotionally charged and moving. How did you go about preparing to get into Sophie's character?

Thank you! The film's director Abel Ferrara wanted his actors to go deeply into their characters, so we had to build and find a piece of ourselves in our roles. I knew about the scandal and the events that inspired the movie, but I wanted to focus on the unconditional love between a father and a daughter. Sophie is very close to her father, and when you deeply love someone going through a hard time, you will support him...whatever happens. Obviously her own life is affected too, so finding the right balance between the two was very important.

Answer 3

What was your favorite part about filming "Welcome to New York"?

What I loved during the shoot was the intimacy of the set. We managed to spend some real time with Abel, Gerard and Jacqueline...and having a nice human connection in real life obviously helped create cohesion during the scenes. I am still in contact with them and that is a true blessing.

Answer 4

You originally spent time when you were younger living in New York City. What was it like to return to New York City to film "Welcome to New York"?

It was really nice! I spent four weeks in NYC for the shooting and loved it. I went to the building I used to live in when I was younger and the same doorman was still working there. I also went to see different places like my old school and the areas I knew...It was very moving.

Answer 5

You're originally based in France, but have you ever considered moving to the USA to pursue American film?

I am currently actually between the two [U.S. and France], going back-and-forth... It means a lot of traveling, but being able to handle both is great! At one point I will have to decide where to settle, of course. I will see where life takes me!

Answer 6

What's your idea of the perfect day?

Waking up in the morning without an alarm clock, fully rested, after a nice night. Opening the windows and seeing a blue sky with the sun shining. Taking the time for some contemplation and eating breakfast, then catching up with the news (I really need to know what happens around the world). Speak with my beloved ones, as I am often traveling. If I were in the mountains I would go for a hike and if I were by the sea I would go for a walk on the beach... Working on a great script, and meeting my friends for a nice cocktail and dinner.

Answer 7

Being able to speak both French and English must certainly come in handy for you. What are the perks of being bilingual?

It is a true blessing and I thank my father for that. As we traveled a lot when I was young and we lived in New York, so I was able to learn English very early and that obviously helps. Being able to switch languages, to think, reflect and express myself in both French and English is really nice.

Answer 8

What's next for you after "Welcome to New York"?

I just finished starring in a cop show in France and I have some other projects in the works as an actress. I'm also developing a project with a friend, which I'm very excited about.

Answer 9

What's something you'd like to devote more time to in 2015?

My friends and family. I recently lost my mother and it has been the hardest time of my life. It taught me to cherish the ones you love.

Answer 10

What's one professional goal you'd like to accomplish during your lifetime?

I would love to pursue my career in both Europe and here in the US. I Have a Dream to perform in a beautiful and intense period piece feature film.