Claire Denis talks about her upcoming film and Robert Pattinson with Interview Magazine

Claire was recently interviewed by Interview Magazine where she talked about Rob. Below is an extract re The Stars at Noon:

HUSEBY: You’re going to be working with [Pattinson] again soon in an adaptation of a Denis Johnson novel.

DENIS: I wish. I have a project, but I’m not American, so I cannot say what will happen. I have to wait for a gap in his schedule and for money to come. You know this is true! There is a song in French that reminds me of this situation. It goes: â€œJe suis le mendiant de l’amour.” It means, “I am the beggar for love.” This is me, but I am also a piece of shit.

More about Claire and Rob’s relationship after the cut

Claire also talks about her connection with Rob, I’ve posted another short extract below, but you should head on over to Interview Magazine to read the full interview:

HUSEBY: Speaking of those that you love, I want to know about your relationship with Robert Pattinson.

DENIS: Rob? I do not know what to say.

HUSEBY: What about him singing the closing song in High Life? How did this come about?

DENIS: Rob singing. [DENIS sighs.] Such a beautiful voice. He pretended that he did it by chance. I was only imitating Stuart Staples [of Tindersticks]. I didn’t believe that. He doesn’t want to be the main interest. He always pretends he was there by chance. He is very modest — but not in a sophisticated way.

…

HUSEBY: It seems like we’re entering into a new period for film where mega-stars like Rob Pattinson or Kristen Stewart are responsible for keeping a certain type of film, made by directors such as yourself, alive.

DENIS: I had absolutely no idea it would be Robert! I wanted someone older. Everyone wanted me to meet with Daniel Craig, so I met with him in London. I wanted someone I can work with. He is such a great actor but he is someone I cannot touch. I cannot feel. I thought that if this is a film with Daniel Craig, I will have to change the script, to completely transform the story. I needed to understand the economy of the film, and Robert brought me much more than a shine or production attention — he brought me himself.

HUSEBY: How does that conversation go, when you tell an actor that you need to be able touch them?

DENIS: I said, “I am sorry Robert.” We were very shy with each other, and I said, “When we start shooting, I will have to touch you. And if I cannot touch you, then I will not know how to frame you.” He looked at me, sort of having understood, and said, “Alright.” For me, it’s hard not to love the people you cast. It is not possible just to say, “Yeah. He is a great actor. He is great for the movie.” I can understand that, but I am not strong enough to do that. I want to be loved, and I think that Robert liked me. I’m not sure if other actors were intrigued by me the way Robert was. Robert was curious. He thought I was a philosophy teacher or something. He was surprised to see a fool.

HUSEBY: From the outside, it seems like the most handsome man in the world is in love with you.

DENIS: I meant that he was intrigued by me — but in love with me? I would have died.