VUYO MKIZE
SMASHING good looks, charm and sophistication – with an appetite for danger.
If these are the characteristics that have typified how the ideal “Bond girl” should be, then Bérénice Marlohe (pictured) fits the bill, which is probably why she stars alongside English actor Daniel Craig in the 23rd James Bond 007 film, Skyfall.
The latest leading lady – who plays the role of Severine in the movie – was brought into the country by premium beer brand Heineken to attend the premier of the film on Thursday night hosted by the British high commissioner to South Africa, Dame Nicola Brewer.
It’s the first time in 007 history that a Bond girl has visited the country for a premiere, and Marlohe wasted no time in making her presence noticed.
“I love it here [South Africa]. The energy is great and so powerful,” she said during a visit and an interview with Kaya FM DJ Shane Ngwenya at their studios yesterday.
The 33-year-old French actress, who is a strong believer in fate, said her transition from television to film had been very “fluid”. She had played in television roles for Père et Maire, Femmes de loi, and Equipe médicale d’urgence.
“I believe one can create their own fate and I know it sounds paradoxical but I’m very happy I followed the signs in my life because they led me here,” she said with a glint in her eye.
Dressed in a flowing purple one-piece jumpsuit and sporting bouncy curls, Marlohe said working on the latest film was literally “a dream come true”.
In previous interviews she stated that she had dreamt of acting alongside Javier Bardem, who plays the main antagonist Raoul Silva in the latest film, six months before her audition for the role.
“The dream was more like a glance or a vision… it was the first time in my life I felt so connected to a role and the ‘Bond universe’.
‘‘I prepared a lot and it was a very good experience being on set with such a good director [Sam Mendez],” she said yesterday.
And while she admitted it was challenging having to speak English for her role, considering that she was French-speaking, she said it had also allowed her more freedom as an actress and she had enjoyed it.
Skyfall will be released across cinemas in South Africa next week Friday.