The 80s were such a great time for movies, and I don’t think that gets celebrated enough. Before the blockbusters took over, people would go to see cult movies in foreign languages that would take over the world on word of mouth. Betty Blue was a film I absolutely adored as an 18-year-old. A girlfriend took me to see it at a cinema on Piccadilly Circus, which sadly isn’t there any more but which used to show all sorts of fringe arthouse movies. I went in not knowing what to expect and came out totally stunned. I was sobbing. Ugly crying! I immediately chopped my hair into a bob and would walk around London in a black Azzedine Alaïa dress and go to the Café de Paris, dancing to La Vie en Rose by Grace Jones in my desire to channel French arthouse cool. Béatrice Dalle was an incredible beauty, and that poster was so iconic, but she was also imbued with a punk energy and aesthetic that transferred to the film.
Favourite film ever?
Betty Blue – it still moves me.
Favourite director?
It’s a toss-up between Ken Loach and Allison Anders
Best environment for watching films?
In the cinema with my two boys. If it’s a film they want to see and I don’t, then I’ll read a book at the back!
Favourite film snack?
Nachos, no cheese just salsa (double portion), Diet Coke
