Jane Birkin talks to Anthony Gardner
The singer, actress and film director Jane Birkin was born England, but has lived in France for most of her adult life. She had a succès de scandale in 1969 with the song 'Je T'aime…Moi Non Plus' which she made with Serge Gainsbourg; she has since recorded more than a dozen albums, and appeared in over 70 films. Her first film as a director, 'Boxes', was released this summer. She is currently on a world tour which will take in Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Lebanon, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic and Luxembourg, before finishing at the Roundhouse in London on 1st March 2008.
After the experience of Boxes, do you feel that your future lies in acting, directing or both?
I'm not sure. Both, I hope - plus singing, of course.
Which of the films you've acted in are you most proud of?
About ten of them! Je T'aime…Moi Non Plus; Sept Morts Sur Ordnance; L'Ami de Vincent; La Belle Noiseuse; Comédie; La Pirate; La Fille Prodigue; Dust; La Course A L'Echalote; La Moutarde Me Monte au Nez; Daddy Nostalgie.
Which of today's musicians have you particularly enjoyed working with?
Djamel, Beth Gibbons, Etienne Daho, The Magic Numbers, Tom Waits.
Where in Europe do you most enjoy performing?
Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, all the ex-Soviet countries - not forgetting France.
And which has been your most memorable European performance?
It's hard to say, but the concerts I've given in Tallinn and Riga stand out.
How do you relax?
I don't.
Which is your favourite European city?
Paris.
And where do you feel most at home?
Again, Paris.
What do you think the British can learn from the French?
They should know more about France's history: Alison Weir's book Eleanor of Aquitaine would be a good place to start. And the French have an excellent sense of priorities - the family and good food.
And vice-versa?
The British sense of civic responsibility; the wisdom of having unarmed police; politeness.
What were the most important things that your mentor Serge Gainsbourg taught you?
Modesty, kindness to strangers, and humour.
If you could pass any law, what would it be?
I would like to see a ban on landmines, and the clearing of those that already exist. I also strongly disapprove of the perks enjoyed by politicians.
What do you consider the EU's most important achievements to date?
The fact that there have been no wars between the member states.
As a supporter of humanitarian causes, where would you like to see the EU becoming more involved?
Burma for one; I would also like to see it taking a stronger line on Russia's activities in Chechnya. And fair trade is very important to me - I think it's revolting that we care more about money than about the suffering of those who make us rich.
How do you cope with insomnia?
I take sleeping pills and settle down with a good book, such as a Dickens novel or one of Alison Weir's biographies.
What did you dream of being when you were a child?
A nurse.
Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
Only that one!
What is your motto?
Tomorrow is another day.
© Anthony Gardner. All views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to the European Commission.