"I'd already worked with Tonie on 'Bastard Brood.' When she told me she'd written a part—in 'Venus Beauty (Institute)'—especially for me, I was thrilled but also very nervous. At times like this, you think to yourself 'Oh my God! She wrote it for me. What if I don't like it?.' It's extremely nerve-wracking. But I loved the script and I'm really glad I made the film. Working with Tonie again wasn't just about loyalty for its own sake. When a director knows you, there's an element of trust but it doesn't necessarily make the work any easier. It was actually a very difficult shoot for Tonie, having so many actors to direct, and for me, having so many partners to act with. Deep down, it's always nice to feel wanted by a director."

Nathalie Baye