Acclaimed French screen star Isabelle Huppert addressed the emerging influence of artificial intelligence on the film industry during an appearance at the Busan International Film Festival. Attending a press conference to promote director Marc Fitoussi’s comedy "All About Corinne," Huppert weighed in on automated tools in entertainment while reflecting on her grounded work as a working actor.
Addressing discussions regarding technological shifts, Huppert joked about hearing suggestions that she might soon speak languages like Korean and Japanese through automated means, noting that she currently only knows how to say basic phrases like "annyeonghaseyo." More seriously, she underscored that technology has not displaced her physical craft, remarking that it remains entirely her own acting and her own face captured on camera.
Optimism Amid Technological Shifts
When asked about whether artificial intelligence represents an existential threat to performers, Huppert acknowledged the debate but framed the current worries within a wider historical context. She noted that while AI can be viewed as a theoretical concern, similar doomsday predictions previously surrounded traditional film theaters and physical music formats, only for vinyl to experience an eventual resurgence.
Admitting that she might be wrong in her optimistic stance, Huppert emphasized that she has not personally encountered the grim scenario of being replaced. In addition to discussing industry changes, she confirmed plans to collaborate with director Dario Argento on an upcoming project slated for next year.
Inside the Making of 'All About Corinne'
"All About Corinne," which held its world premiere at Locarno and screened in Busan's Gala Presentation section, reverses Huppert's status as a top-billed talent. She portrays Corinne Maclou, a career film extra who remains committed to her acting aspirations, tracking her dynamic with another performer. The comedy features appearances from Sandrine Kiberlain and other notable French actors playing themselves.
Fitoussi shared that the premise began somewhat playfully, stemming from the desire to take one of France's most prolific stars and place her in the role of someone who struggles to land speaking parts. The filmmaker secured Huppert's agreement before drafting the script, drawing inspiration from his 2008 documentary "Des Figurants." From that project, he adapted the habit of an extra attempting to stand out—incorporating a quirky tuft of hair on Corinne’s head rather than the pink scarf worn by his real-life documentary subject.
Exploring Industry Hierarchies and Social Realities
Reflecting on her performance, Huppert noted that portraying background talent did not introduce unusual hurdles, crediting Fitoussi's writing and noting that performing as an extra is a profession like any other. At the same time, she cautioned against viewing the narrative as a purely cozy look at the film world, pointing out that the business carries inherent harshness and mirrors larger social stratifications between those who hold authority and those who do not.
Fitoussi also mentioned earlier concepts he had explored for Huppert, including a paused script where she would portray a truck driver—a project halted after learning Juliette Binoche had filmed a similar American feature. Looking ahead, Fitoussi revealed an early desire to potentially adapt a Joan Crawford film for Huppert, which would mark another chapter in their partnership following "All About Corinne."
Deep Ties to South Korea
Huppert traveled directly to Busan following an appearance in Seoul, where she performed a reading of literature by Nobel laureate Han Kang alongside Lee Hye-young. The pairing reunited the stars from Hong Sang-soo's "A Traveler's Needs," following an earlier stage performance of the piece at France's Avignon Festival.
Marking her third time attending Busan, Huppert continues to cultivate a presence in international cinema while maintaining institutional leadership at home, having been elected earlier this year as the first female president of the Cinémathèque Française. South Korean audiences will see the wider release of "All About Corinne" when the comedy arrives in local theaters next spring.
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Source: Variety
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