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PROFILE: Marion Cotillard, dedicated actress and environmentalist
Many Batman fans will remember Marion Cotillard as the unexpected villain who stabbed Batman and joined forces with antagonist Bane in the 2012 movie "The Dark Knight Rises."
Born and raised in France, Cotillard has starred in more than 30 full-length and short films in France and the US. Her performance as French singer Edith Piaf in the biopic film "La Vie en Rose" won her many awards, including the Academy, and a legion of fans around the world as well.
Student of humankind
All photos by GMA News
But she is more than just an Academy Award-winning actor and a muse to many filmmakers—she’s also a hardcore environmentalist and a spokesperson for Greenpeace. For example, in 2013, Cotillard caged herself as an act of protest and to demand the release of 30 Greenpeace members jailed in Russia.
Her advocacy to fight climate change brought her to the archipelago last Thursday as part of the delegation of French President Francois Hollande. The actress and environmentalist said she immediately agreed to the invitation to come to the Philippines.
"I've been involved in protecting, in trying to raise awareness about the climate and the issues we've been facing for a long time and we have to really realize and come to the point that we really need to do something," said Cotillard.
However, Cotillard keeps a very low profile. It’s as if she doesn’t want to be treated as a celebrity, as she carries her own bag and gets her own glass of water.
Global issue
"I've been involved in protecting, in trying to raise awareness about the climate and the issues we've been facing for a long time and we have to really realize and come to the point that we really need to do something," said Cotillard.
However, Cotillard keeps a very low profile. It’s as if she doesn’t want to be treated as a celebrity, as she carries her own bag and gets her own glass of water.
Her advice to those who want to follow their acting dreams? "I think when you follow your passion and when you work a lot, you do everything to find this authenticity that people want to see when they go to see a movie. It's all about the work and the experience and being open to what happens in this world and to human beings."
She added, "That's why I'm an actress—because I'm fascinated by this very interesting animal that we are, this intelligence that we can use for good and for really bad. Humankind is really fascinating and I study it."
She added, "That's why I'm an actress—because I'm fascinated by this very interesting animal that we are, this intelligence that we can use for good and for really bad. Humankind is really fascinating and I study it."
'Crazy person'
Cotillard said her awareness to protect and preserve the environment came at an early age.
"My parents and my grandparents raised me as a woman who respects first of all, my self, and other people, and of course, the place we live in. For me, it's a logic that we should all have."
As a teenager Cotillard said she moved back and forth from Paris and the countryside in France.
At age 16, Cotillard relocated to Paris permanently and started caring and researching about the environment.
"Having this vision of absurdity really struck me and I really wanted to make a difference," she shared. "It was the nineties and I was kind of a crazy person, you know. I'm kind of happy that there are more and more people who think that we are not crazy and that there's a logic that we should follow—which is preserving our home," she said.
In 2010 Cotillard did a movie called "Rust and Bone," where she portrayed the role of animal trainer. Though she loved the story, she had a hard time doing the movie precisely because she is against animal confinement.
"I was very uncomfortable because this is something I really don't understand: how we put these magnificent animals in bathtubs, basically, to have fun. It doesn't raise awareness—it's really entertainment, and I have a problem with this."
At one point, she felt that what she does for the environment may be considered by some as useless. But as an artist, her motivation to help is coming from a bigger perspective of her own self.
She said, "People might think sometimes that celebrities will take advantage of being in a picture that will, I don't know, reinforce their celebrity or something like that. As I said, I'm an actress and an artist in a way because I'm fascinated by humankind, and by this planet, and I need to share this."
At one point, she felt that what she does for the environment may be considered by some as useless. But as an artist, her motivation to help is coming from a bigger perspective of her own self.
She said, "People might think sometimes that celebrities will take advantage of being in a picture that will, I don't know, reinforce their celebrity or something like that. As I said, I'm an actress and an artist in a way because I'm fascinated by humankind, and by this planet, and I need to share this."
The author and Cotillard during the interview.
Global issue
Cotillard said it’s time for everyone to care for the environment and that world leaders, including those of France, must learn to change.
"I would love for my country to be an example of what we can do and share the solutions that we actually have. We just need, of course, the money, but also the will to push our countries to the transition of energies. We have the solution; we cannot just like look at it and do nothing," she urged.
In 2010 Cotillard went to the Congo in Africa to visit tropical rainforests threatened by logging activities. Cotillard said going to the Congo and the Philippines to spread awareness in protecting nature was a responsibility given to her as a citizen of France.
"Now, it's a global issue that we are facing and I feel a responsibility for what happens here in the Philippines or in the Congo," said Cotillard. "I'm very aware that western countries have a responsibility and what happens here is our responsibility. I'm very proud that France is supporting the Philippines."
The role of the Philippines
The actress’s visit to the Philippines was mainly focused on addressing the issues of global warming and climate change. She said the most important part of her itinerary was attending the climate change forum with local government officials and visiting Guian, Samar, one of the areas badly-hit by super typhoon Yolanda.
The role of the Philippines
The actress’s visit to the Philippines was mainly focused on addressing the issues of global warming and climate change. She said the most important part of her itinerary was attending the climate change forum with local government officials and visiting Guian, Samar, one of the areas badly-hit by super typhoon Yolanda.
Cotillard had wanted to go to the Philippines after super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) devastated Leyte and Samar. The French actress described the effects of the super typhoon as an obvious result of global warming.
After seeing Yolanda's effects, Cotillard urged Filipinos to be aware that the country is more vulnerable to the extreme effects of climate change than any other country in the world.
"All those islands—because you're facing a lot of issues, such as the ocean coming in. it can be a disaster for you if you don't do anything," she said.
The French actor said she admires the strength of the Filipino spirit and that the Philippines and France must work together to fight climate change.
"I think we should be very proud of your country for being willing to make a difference," she said. "And not considering yourselves as victims even though you are one of the first victims of climate change."
When asked how ordinary Filipinos can help save the environment, she answered: "The way we consume things gives us the power to decide. We should all be aware of the impact of the way we consume and what we buy and where it comes from, how it was made, by whom, and how the people making those things that we sometimes we don't need are treated." — VC, GMA News
