Offscreen: What got you into acting and made you realize that it was your chosen path?

Alix Villaret: I got bit by the acting bug at an early age. I grew up in France watching all the old Hollywood classics on TV with my dad and I couldn’t wait to get home. All I wanted was to be Audrey Hepburn when I grew up, what little girl wouldn’t? My father was also a huge influence in my life as he was a stage actor himself but was never able to pursue acting as a career since he had to get another job to support our family. His last performance was with Les seins de Lola in 1984 with Maria Pacome. A big part of me wants to make him proud for sacrificing his dreams and would love for him to share in my success.

Offscreen: How would you describe the projects that you typically prefer?

Alix Villaret: I love action films as they are not only emotionally demanding but also physically. It takes a different mindset to elevate both your mind and body to perform at its peak and I believe my training Krav Maga has prepared me to take on this challenge. So far I have done a lot of work in the horror/thriller space and I am excited to tackle additional genres like comedies and dramas to display and expand my range.

Offscreen: Has there been one particular moment in your career that you’re most proud of?

Alix Villaret: There is one moment where I look back and think to myself that I made it. It was when I worked on a film for Paramount called V for Vengeance (2022). I had to shoot my first scene after waiting ten days in isolation for Covid protocol, and they brought me on set at the last hour of the day and told me they have time for only two takes and there’s no room for error. So I finally got on set and was surrounded by about 200 crew members with all their attention focused on me and without much time to think, the director yelled action and then the rest was up to me to either swim or swink. Thankfully my practice and instincts kicked in and I finished my work on the film with great joy and so much so that I also earned a part in the filmmakers next film also through Paramount titled Wifelike (2022).

Offscreen: How do you get into character and have you had any mentors that help show you the ins and outs of acting?

Alix Villaret: I’ve had a lot of mentors in my life, like I mentioned the biggest being my father but also another huge influence I’ve had and who is now also my acting coach is Stan Harrington who guides me and gives me insights from his over 30 years of experience. He taught me the Stella Adler method of getting into character, where you write out the background and every detail of the character’s life to find out what defines them and makes them who they are. The more you know about the character, the better your performance will be on set. I also look for similar roles and find inspiration in some of the great performances by actors who have come before like Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep, and Ana de Armas to name a few. There’s so much to learn and we have access nowadays to a wealth of information at our fingertips, all you have to do is tap into it and study your craft with a passion. There’s no real secret to being successful other than just plain old hard work.

Offscreen: What’s been the pros and cons of pursuing a career in acting?

Alix Villaret: The one pro that sticks out to me is the ability to follow my dreams. Just being able to follow my passion is a dream in itself and not being bogged down by a traditional 9-5 is something I don’t take for granted. There’s something about being out of your comfort zone and the journey that comes alongside a career in acting that is satisfying and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. You also meet a lot of interesting and dynamic people as well traveling around the world to exotic and breathtaking places. Some cons are you have to be patient, waiting for the right role, waiting for the film to be released, waiting for how the film will be received. It’s not always easy being in the public eye. People are free to comment on what they think of you and your ability. For me also living in a foreign country and being away from family is a challenge as I miss them everyday.

Offscreen: Who are some of your favorite directors that you would like to work with one day?

Alix Villaret: Definitely Quentin Tarantino is up there as one of the greats and working with him would be an amazing experience as he has such a unique style. His films and the stories they tell are always a part of such fascinating worlds and to be a part of that is something special. Edward Scissorhands (1990) is also one of my favorite films and every Tim Burton piece always has such flair and a certain magic to it that never fails to inspire my imagination.

Offscreen: If you weren’t into acting what else would you be doing?

Alix Villaret: Most likely something related to film like producing. I’ve tried to do work in other fields, but I’ve never had as much happiness as being behind the camera. My life’s passion is to tell stories that evoke emotions in people. I think of the Einstein quote in which he says “The life of the individual has meaning only insofar as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful.” Being able to create art that touches and inspires people is what I live for and I want to spend my life as such for as long as I can.

Offscreen: Any advice you would give any actors who are trying to break into the film industry?

Alix Villaret: Don’t listen to anybody unless their message is positive and encouraging. A lot of people will try to discourage or discredit you because they were never able to do it themselves. Don’t listen to them. Trust your gut. It’s all about the small steps and nothing happens overnight. Step by step, inch by inch, set out to achieve goals and don’t look back. Be yourself, enjoy the process and be patient cause it’s a journey. But with enough hard work, dedication, talent and just the right amount of luck, it will all be worth it.

Capsule Reviews   alix villaret   french cinema   science-fiction