Cate Blanchett never imagined she would have a career in film. The Oscar-winning actress, who made a dazzling appearance at the Rotterdam Film Festival, shared candid insights about her early doubts and the unexpected turns that led her to international stardom.
"I was resigned, happily, to a career in theater. I didn’t think I was that girl. There was a sense women had a certain 'shelf life' in the film industry and a certain type of women got to parade on the screen and others didn’t," Blanchett revealed.
A Love for Cinema Sparked by Visconti
Blanchett's love for film began in school, thanks to a viewing of Luchino Visconti’s The Stranger during a French class. "Our teacher took us to see it. I learned more about cinema than I did about French," she recalled.
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Growing up, she was influenced by Australian cinema, citing Picnic at Hanging Rock, Sweetie, and An Angel at My Table as pivotal films that made her think: "Maybe I will be able to step into that frame."
A Star at Rotterdam
Blanchett's presence at the festival created a frenzy, with fans scrambling for seats. She was also there to support the Displacement Film Fund, aiding displaced filmmakers. Discussing her eclectic movie tastes, she admitted: "I used to watch a lot of horror. Since I had children, I can’t do that at all. I love my kids, but I’m sad about that."
Diving into ‘Rumours’
At the festival, Blanchett joined filmmaker Guy Maddin to talk about Rumours, a satirical film that premiered at Cannes. The story turns a G7 summit into a surreal, zombie-infested chaos. "I thought I was going to your garage in Winnipeg, I packed for that, and then we were in the forest in Budapest," Blanchett joked.
The team studied G7 summit footage, noticing how world leaders move like actors in a silent film. One of Maddin’s favorite cut scenes featured Emmanuel Macron checking two phones at once.
A Filmmaker’s Perspective on Blanchett
Maddin, known for his offbeat humor, jokingly declared: "Cate was robbed at the Oscars for Tár!"
While discussing favorite films, he mentioned Notes on a Scandal — "Cate has an affair with a high school student, and Judi Dench gets really jealous. I love it." He also admired Manifesto, where Blanchett played multiple characters, and her work in Documentary Now!
Nostalgia for VHS and Embracing Influence
Blanchett shared her love for VHS tapes, describing them as a ritual. Her most-watched tape? Jane Fonda’s Workout. On creativity, she believes in borrowing from others:
"We are told you have to find your own voice. I would say: Steal from anyone. It’s an homage and a way of connecting through recognition.
Her reflections at Rotterdam showcased her humility, humor, and passion for storytelling — whether on stage, screen, or somewhere in between.
