Anamaria Vartolomei: A Bold Talent Shaping Contemporary Cinema

Anamaria Vartolomei embarked on her acting journey at just 12 years old, starring opposite Isabelle Huppert in a film centered on a provocative photographer and her daughter. Now 26, she has rapidly built an impressive and varied filmography, reminiscent of Huppert’s own diverse and prolific career.

The actress’s breakthrough came with a poignant leading role in “Happening,” portraying a French university student in the 1960s grappling with the decision to seek an abortion. This film secured the Golden Lion for best film at the 2021 Venice Film Festival. Subsequently, she was cast in the dystopian thriller “Mickey 17,” playing a sharp-witted crewmate alongside Robert Pattinson’s character.

Earlier this year, Vartolomei captivated audiences in the French blockbuster “The Count of Monte Cristo.” She further demonstrated her daring range in “Being Maria,” where she embodies the late actress Maria Schneider, famed for “Last Tango in Paris,” as well as in the quirky sci-fi tale “The Empire,” set in a rural French backdrop.

Her newest feature, “Adam’s Interest,” is the opening selection for Critics’ Week at the Cannes Film Festival, which runs through May 24. In this film, Vartolomei takes on the role of a mother who faces the risk of losing custody of her child following his hospitalization. In a recent video interview, conducted in front of a backdrop adorned with iconic film posters including “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Breathless,” and “Scarface,” she discussed the film’s raw authenticity and the process behind its creation. The conversation below has been edited for clarity and brevity.

You often choose to portray characters with limited control or autonomy, yet they strive to make the most of their circumstances.

Absolutely, that resonates deeply with me and, I believe, with many others. Freedom is something we all possess, but it’s often difficult to acknowledge the power we have over it. At times, we become overly concerned with how others perceive our freedom, seeking their approval and losing sight of our own desires. I am drawn to characters who are clear about what they want, even if they initially lack the means to achieve it. Their journey toward discovering their truth ultimately leads them to inner peace.