Back then I didn't think a woman like that, or a relationship like that, could exist with complete freedom and no jealousy or possessiveness. I thought it sounded too good to be true and I was certainly convinced it wasn't the life for me!
Sylvia KristelI learned so much from other actors and they definitely didn't treat me like some sex bomb or bimbo. I felt fully accepted in the regular movie world. I didn't feel categorised.
Sylvia KristelI like this other world, this forgetting of myself. The actor works in order to escape, not to find himself. You become an actor by leaving yourself, and then you have to keep acting. How tragic!
Sylvia KristelOf course it's difficult to top a box office success like Emmanuelle, so it will always be my most important work. But that's nothing to be ashamed of.
Sylvia KristelI am a divorced child, of divided, uncertain background. Within this division I - supposed fruit of their love - no longer exist. It happened nearly forty years ago, yet to me nothing is sadder than my parents' divorce.
Sylvia KristelThe film was made in 1973. It was a golden time for people to experiment without risking, for example, AIDS. Today one has to be so much more careful and I don't think a character like that could exist now.
Sylvia KristelI don't expect too much from the afterlife, I think that I know very well what pain is. When I think of the end of my life, I think mainly: I didn't do nothing, but I could have done more.
Sylvia KristelI have to be careful not to be too proud in life, because there is always room for improvement.
Sylvia KristelNo one has taken my heart in their hand. I haven't given it... I have lent myself, rented myself out, but never given myself.
Sylvia KristelMy mother was Protestant, and in her mind life was more about work and obligations and responsibilities.
Sylvia KristelAs a painter you're responsible yourself, 100 percent. In film, you have the editor, the director, the other actors. It has the advantage of not being solitary.
Sylvia KristelMen still assume I must be like the girl I played in 'Emmanuelle.' John Wayne was never accused of killing people during his free time, but I'm forever stuck with the image of 'Emmanuelle.' The truth is, I should have got an Oscar for that role because I'm nothing like that woman.
Sylvia KristelI'm very glad to have something to be passionate about. I can't imagine a life without passion.
Sylvia KristelThe only thing I was trying to portray was serenity. Also, innocence, vulnerability and elegance.
Sylvia Kristel