Hostage star Julie Delpy argues France is ready for a female leader – but not Marine Le Pen

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In the role of Vivienne Toussaint, the president of the French Republic, Julie Delpy delivers an exceptional performance in Hostage. She’s graceful, stylishly dressed, and her white coat, tailored to perfection, adds a touch of sophistication. As she strides into Downing Street for a meeting with her British counterpart, there’s a hint of an indescribable charm. However, some might question the authenticity of this portrayal.

According to Delpy, who was speaking with me over Zoom from Paris, there’s a strong possibility that France might elect its first female president. However, she does not believe Marine Le Pen will be the one, given her recent financial irregularities have put a damper on her campaign. Delpy suggests that these financial issues are more shocking to the French than any sex scandal, which makes sense, doesn’t it?

Delpy grins. “Many believe the French are extremely attractive, but that’s not entirely accurate. It’s not about having more intimate encounters. Instead, it seems that the French public is less judgmental when their leaders engage in affairs.” This sentiment rings true, as one can recall President Mitterrand’s secret daughter or President Hollande on his “love scooter” from his romantic rendezvous, or even President Macron and his former drama teacher who later became his spouse. Oh my, the intriguing tales that unfold within the Élysée Palace!

Delpy notes that there are indeed some remarkable female political figures, one being Christiane Taubira, who served as the minister of justice under Hollande. Among all, she is particularly admirable.

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself deeply resonating with the constraints faced by female politicians. Being a screenwriter and director, I’ve observed that women in politics are often judged more swiftly than their male counterparts. This could be hinted at by the name of my character, Vivienne Toussaint – which literally translates to ‘living as a complete saint’. It seems there’s an unspoken expectation for women in power to embody perfection, a standard that men are not often held to.

It seems that mistakes by women are often not forgiven as easily, even in the movie industry and politics. For example, as a woman working on a film set, you have to be flawless, while men can get away with a lot more. Similarly, a female director like myself can’t express anger or frustration openly, but a man can. The same goes for politicians; if a woman shows emotion, like Chancellor Rachel Reeves did when she cried in the House of Commons, it’s treated as unusual or exceptional in the UK.

Delpy, known for her work in more than 30 films, resides with her family in both New York and Paris, holding dual French and US citizenship. When asked about where her heart lies, she chuckles and says, “My heart is literally inside me.” She then adds, “I’m quite pragmatic. My son attends school in the U.S., but the situation in America is volatile, with frequent arrests.” Asked if they will continue to stay there, she replies, “I don’t let myself panic easily. I remain calm until there’s a reason to worry, but I always prepare. I have passports for both France and the U.S., my husband is Greek, and my son is half German.

She grew up immersed in an environment that valued both political and cultural awareness, shaped by her feminist mother and hippie father from Vietnam who prioritized experiences over material possessions. Despite living modestly in a small apartment in Paris’s 15th Arrondissement without a bathroom, she was frequently exposed to various forms of culture through regular outings to concerts, galleries, and the theater with her parents and grandmother.

It’s no wonder that her career, starting at age 14 with Jean-Luc Godard’s film Detective, has been marked by diverse decisions and a stubborn refusal to follow the norm. As she puts it, “I’ve had long-standing adversaries in the business. As a young woman, I didn’t abide by the patriarchy’s rules. I was labeled headstrong because I rejected numerous directors. I wasn’t, and still am not, submissive to their rules, not in a sexual context.

During my early years, I was often confronted and repeatedly turned down every proposal. This experience left an indelible mark on me. I was frequently labeled as tough for not conforming to societal norms that portrayed women as muses for male directors. Around the age of 20, a man approximately twice my age approached me, questioning if I was prudish or frigid. It was appalling. The situation wasn’t much different when I moved to the US, although it was less blatant. Maintaining my integrity on this challenging journey was no easy feat.

There were instances where the rule didn’t apply. For example, Krzysztof Kieslowski, who chose her as the lead actress in his 1993 film “Three Colours: White”. Additionally, Jean-Luc Godard also made an exception. He wrote to her when she was just 15, encouraging her with these words: “Remember you are like a river. Stay strong and flow naturally, and remember that those who oppose you are like the riverbanks, they will try to control you.

Despite receiving numerous nominations for prestigious awards like the César and the Oscar, Delpy believes her strong opinions have impacted her career in a challenging way. She explains that these views have led to increased difficulties when producing films, exclusion from certain film festivals, constant attempts to undermine her work, lower earnings (earning around $3 million per film compared to another person who might earn $5 million), and ongoing struggles.

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2025-08-12 03:31