Working with David Cronenberg or Darren Aronofsky or even Steven Soderbergh isn't really like a typical Hollywood movie. These are true artists, and have a certain amount of freedom when they work, and they're more like independent filmmakers making their way through big studios. I still don't feel like I've been part of the stereotypical Hollywood system.

I think I'm actually more vulnerable than people imagine.

I didn't want to be part of that tradition of French cinema that wasn't really watched by the people of my age. I didn't really care to be in the last André Téchiné or Claude Chabrol movie, even though some of them are really interesting. For me, it was much more important to work with Mathieu Kassovitz or Gaspar Noé. It was for me a question of identity.

I grew up watching 'Raging Bull.

I used to be more self-conscious about style because when you're younger, you want to exist, you want to show everything you do.

I think life is short, and you can't spend time doing things just to be on set to reassure yourself that people are not going to forget about you.

I've always loved the idea of changing myself, wearing costumes and disguises. It takes you back to being a kid, to dressing up.