Eva Green talks about her new UNICEF campaign, James Bond and hair-dye

Eva Green, 28, is a French actress famous for playing Bond girl Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale as well as roles in Kingdom Of Heaven and The Golden Compass. She is an ambassador for Montblanc's Signature For Good campaign to help Unicef combat illiteracy - explains Metro.

Why did you get involved in this Unicef campaign?
Everyone deserves the chance to get a proper education – this campaign helps raise money for families so they can send their children to school. That’s something we take for granted coming from a developed country.

You were raised in France but live in England. Which do you prefer?
Well, the Eurostar is magical so thankfully I can enjoy both but I love living in London because it makes me feel alive. I have so much freedom here because I’m away from my family.

You’re working on two new movies: Cracks and Womb. Rather unfortunate titles…
Ha, ha, yes, I suppose. In Cracks I play a mysterious teacher called Miss G. She works at an elite 1930s girls’ boarding school where she seduces and falls in love with one of her female pupils. It was exactly the same as playing a straight character, it didn’t make a difference whether it was a woman or a man, although I guess the subject is quite taboo. It’s the directorial debut of Jordan Scott, Ridley Scott’s daughter, and she’s created something intense, unusual and very passionate.

And Womb?
Essentially it’s about a woman who clones her dead husband because she can’t bear to be without him. The movie is beautifully shot and follows the woman through various stages of her life from a young girl to a lover and a mother. My husband is played brilliantly by Matt Smith, the new Doctor Who. He’s instinctive, very eccentric and unusual, perfect for a Time Lord.

Where do you stand on the subject of cloning?
I understand why people might want to do it, like with their dogs. I like the idea and it’s easy to think twice about it.

You’re also playing a call girl in a remake of 1980s hit Mona Lisa. Who is taking Bob Hoskins’s role?
Mickey Rourke plays my chauffeur. I appreciate he and Bob are quite different actors. It’s not an exact remake. For a start, it’s set in America, not England. I’d say it’s harder and darker than the original and very well written.

It seems 1980s movies are flavour of the month with new versions of The Karate Kid, Robocop and Ghostbusters in the pipeline. Did you have a favourite?
Oh yes, it starred Kurt Russell. Big Trouble In Little China – that was a huge movie for me as a child.

You still chose to become a Bond girl. Why?
I played a very good character with a lot of layers. It’s very flattering to be remembered as a Bond girl with brains and not just for looking good in a bikini. I was a fan of Sophie Marceau in The World Is Not Enough. I think her performance was very underrated.

You’ve got a twin sister and new Bond novel Devil May Care stars twins. How about making another 007 movie like Maud Adams did?
Oh my God, I’m not sure Bond could handle the two of us. Unfortunately my sister is not identical or an actress so it wouldn’t work but it’s a nice thought.

Some people may be shocked to learn you’re a natural blonde…
I’m a dark blonde, yes. I dyed my hair blue then black when I was 14. I thought the colour was more flattering and matched my skin tone. I don’t think I’d ever change back unless it was for a film.

Do you have an essential beauty item to capture that red-carpet glam?
Dior bright red lipstick – it’s a classic and I can’t go anywhere without it.

Have you ever turned down any big Hollywood roles?
Yes, lots, but it wouldn’t be polite for me to say which. Sometimes it was because the movie was not right for me or it was not the right time, or in some cases it was not the right director.

Discuss this news here...