This summer’s "Godzilla" was memorable for a few things, but for cinephiles, it was a blockbuster that rounded up some pretty great acting talent….only to kill them off (Bryan Cranston, Juliette Binoche) or shunt them into the background (Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn). Perhaps one of the most disappointing person to see exit the movie so early was Binoche. The great French actress didn’t have much to do except die in the opening minutes, but according to her, it had quite the impact on Quentin Tarantino.
"[Quentin] Tarantino said to me, ‘That was the first time I’ve ever cried during a 3D blockbuster. I had to take off my glasses to wipe away my tears.’ I took it as a compliment," Binoche told Indiewire. As for the experience of shooting the movie—which she notes she only took thanks to a "beautiful letter" from director Gareth Edwards—she didn’t seem to care for it too much, particularly given how little there was for her to do.
"[Laughs] I don’t know how much fun you can have when you have to die in two seconds, and you’re the one real woman character and you’re dead in three minutes and 45 seconds," she explained.
But it would seem that Binoche has an eye on younger talent (perhaps that helped draw her to the monster movie), and she had particularly glowing things to say about Kristen Stewart, he recent co-star in "Clouds Of Sils Maria."
"… I know her potential. When you see that, it’s very exciting as an actor to go and push someone. I think deep down I would like to teach one day. It’s about mothering, about giving birth, a midwife kind of situation, and there’s something very rewarding in a very hidden place," Binoche said. "When you see somebody transforming and growing, it’s such a reward because it gives hope to everybody. With Kristen, in the films she’s done, I don’t think she ever really experienced how amazing she is. Actually, when I saw her in interviews, the way she listens and the way she answers, I said, ‘This is a great actress.’ Just the way of receiving and giving back. I think she has an amazing career in front of her, and she’s gonna surprise us."
Kind words from Binoche, who can see talent coming while also making Quentin Tarantino cry. Is there anything she can’t do?