MOVIE NEWS – Romy, a free woman, examines the life and career of the leading lady of European cinema in the light of her professional and personal decisions. Through archival footage, Lucie Cariès’s documentary evokes a portrait of an independent, determined and vibrant woman.

The biographical writings about Romy Schneider, almost without exception, remember the actress who became world famous with the role of Sissi as an actress with a tragic fate. In the documentary Romy, a free woman, relatives, acquaintances, and colleagues do not recall the common past in an unusual way. Still, based on interviews, newspaper articles, and audio recordings collected by the filmmakers, a special confession can be heard, so it is as if the actress herself is telling about her life, her decisions about the underlying motivations. From the archive footage, the image of a strong, independent woman emerges, rather than a victim.

She portrayed many memorable characters throughout her career, even though it was difficult for her to break out of the role of Sissi. In the documentary, she talks about how she was almost literally sick of the hype that surrounded her thanks to the film, and as much as she wanted to prove herself as an actress, her fans saw her as the kind, always-smiling young empress. He refused the main role in the fourth part, and when the directors in his own country soon began to neglect him, he moved to France, where he had to rebuild his career. He was not afraid of the task, if he fell in love with a character, he personally tried to convince the directors to entrust him with the role. It can be seen from this period in the Marathon program A pool, in which the actress gives one of the greatest performances of her life alongside Alain Delon. But she took control just as decisively when she paid the costs of the divorce proceedings to the father of her future son so that they could begin their life together without strings attached.

As an actress, she was constantly experimenting, striving to try herself in every role, but looking back, she regretted relegating theater roles in favor of films. She was greatly influenced by Luchino Visconti, who not only saw her as a pretty woman with a beautiful face, but also saw her acting talent. This is also the goal of the film presented at this year’s Cannes Film Festival: to change Romy Schneider’s image and focus on her exciting personality and unparalleled talent instead of the dramatic events of her life.

Source: GoodOptoinPR press material