Vicky Krieps Interview: On Acting, Travel, and Her Role in Naomi Kawase’s The Illusion of Yakushima
Actor Vicky Krieps explores the intersection of life and fiction in her latest project, L’Illusion de Yakushima, directed by Naomi Kawase. In the film, Krieps portrays a French woman working as a doctor and nurse in Kobe, Japan. The role has prompted the actor to reflect on her own career trajectory, her approach to emotional expression, and the impact of her international filming experiences.
The experience of filming in Japan
Krieps describes the production of L’Illusion de Yakushima as a transformative experience, particularly due to the film’s setting in Japanese hospitals. Working alongside children awaiting heart transplants provided a perspective on reality that she described as grounding. According to the actor, the role of a medical professional in Kobe mirrors her own professional life, which she characterizes as existing between the reality of the self and the constructed world of fiction.
Approaching emotions and cultural reserve
The actor maintains a distinct approach to the emotional demands of her craft. By seeking a spiritual dimension in her performances, Krieps attempts to connect with themes larger than herself. She notes that Naomi Kawase’s directorial style aligns with this philosophy, viewing humanity as a small element within a vast, interconnected universe.
Krieps also observed a duality in Japanese social conduct. While she values the modesty of those with fewer resources, she suggests that the cultural emphasis on reserve can sometimes mask underlying frustrations. She noted that for some, this silence acts as a way to suppress feelings of revolt against social injustice.
What comes next for the actor
Following her work in Japan, Krieps is currently based in Berlin but has expressed an intention to relocate to Brussels. Her career trajectory suggests a continued preference for international, artistically driven projects. Having recently worked in Spain alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg, she is likely to maintain a focus on films that prioritize landscape and travel as central narrative elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the premise of L’Illusion de Yakushima?
The film, directed by Naomi Kawase, features Vicky Krieps as a French woman living in Kobe, Japan, where she works as a doctor and nurse.
How did Vicky Krieps prepare for her role as a medical professional?
The actor gained perspective by filming in Japanese hospitals, where she interacted with children waiting for heart transplants, an experience she described as a significant, reality-shifting event.
Why did Vicky Krieps step away from working in the United States?
Ten years ago, the actor decided against working in the U.S. film industry after perceiving that promotional activities there were governed primarily by financial, rather than artistic, logic.
How do you think an actor’s personal travel experiences shape the characters they choose to portray on screen?