Berlinale Talks: Charlotte Rampling's candidness is refreshing

(Charlotte Rampling, © Lindsay Bellinger 2019)

By LINDSAY R. BELLINGER

Ms. Charlotte Rampling was beyond charming during her talk with Peter Cowie and while answering at least a dozen questions from a mixed bag of audience members. The audience was treated to a number of memorable scenes from her eclectic and impressive array of films. The first scene was the moment from Stardust Memories when Woody Allen's director character approaches Rampling's character, admiring how interesting she is after having watched her all morning. It's a playful and light scene that unfolds between Rampling and Allen. The best moment was as soon as the lights came back on after the clip Ms. Rampling revealed a fun, playful smirk with a slight laugh that really made me wonder how lovely it must have been, her experience working that film.

(Still from Stardust Memories. Charlotte Rampling, Woody Allen, © 1980 Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

The other scenes from her films did not earn such a noticeable reaction, which lead me to believe that there really must have been something special about working on that film with Woody Allen and his film team. Afterwards, we continued to see scenes from The Nightporter and Georgie Girl which was her first role on film. The discussion was quite frank and she laughed easily, as did the audience. It was really a very special evening listening to Ms. Rampling discuss her long and illustrious career in film and television. 

(Charlotte Rampling, © Lindsay Bellinger 2019)

The crowd did not disperse easily, as so many fans waiting patiently for autographs and photos of the extraordinary Golden Bear Homage recipient Charlotte Rampling.