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"It is in your DNA to love films when you come from a family of people who made them."
It is impossible not to be captivated by those enormous, deep-blue eyes exuding fierce artistic spirit. They are reminiscent of her grandfather, Spencer 'Charlie' Chaplin, who relied much on his mesmerising eyes to rule the silent-film era in the early 20th century. An actor, writer and director, Carmen Chaplin carries forward the legacy of the Little Tramp with great elan.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox presented to Charlie Chaplin by Canton de Vaux government in 1953
Born in London to writer Michael Chaplin and French painter Patricia Be-taudier, Carmen grew up mostly around France and Spain. Best known for her role as Ursula in the action-comedy All About the Benjamins, Carmen's tryst with films started with director Wim Wenders's Until the End of the World in 1991.
"I grew up watching films and, since everyone in my family is an artist, getting into acting was merely a natural progression for me," she says. "It is in your DNA to love films when you come from a family of people who made them. But filmmaking is serious business, and I do not think anyone would give me money just because of my name."
Carmen reminisces her childhood fondly, with travel being an integral part. "It was quite idyllic," she says. "Our early years were spent on a farm in southwest France, and that probably explains my bohemian outlook. During summer holidays, we would mostly travel to Switzerland and stay at my grandfather's house, The Manoir de Ban."
Charlie Chaplin had sought refuge in Switzerland, after the US exiled him in 1952 for protesting the country's ways of combating communism. That incident, however, paved the way for the Chaplin family's association with luxury Swiss timepieces.
"My grandfather was presented with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox by the Canton de Vaux government when he moved to Switzerland," says Carmen. "It was given to my father when he turned 14, and he gave it to my mother as a wedding gift."
Carmen, who is now a 'Friend of the Brand', has also directed a short film titled A Time for Everything, which features the same Memovox, set against a noir backdrop—a tribute to her grandfather's filmmaking style. It also explores the relationship between three generations of women symbolised by Carmen, her mother and daughter, Uma.
"I strive to live fully in the present; it is the only way to be friends with time," says Carmen. "When I was 16,1 moved to Paris to go to an acting school but started getting more modelling assignments. Later, as I got more involved with films, I moved to New York and never imagined living anywhere else, until I was pregnant and wished to be closer to my family in Europe."
Carmen now lives in London, which, she says, is a great city for children. "It has abundant green spaces and family activities. I absolutely love the fact that it is a melting pot of cultures," she says, quickly adding that Paris is her first love. "It is a stunningly beautiful city and it never changes."
Currently, Carmen is thoroughly consumed with being behind the camera, having already directed several short films. "I am excited about directing a feature film now," she says. "The experience is both challenging and thrilling. It seems like an endless process. I spent a whole year writing notes on the story, and now have begun writing the script."
The upcoming project, Bombay Nights, which will be made in India, stars her sister, Dolores Chaplin. Carmen is also preparing a series of documentaries titled Screen Goddess, co-produced with actor Rosalie Miller. It will be about candid conversations with cinema legends.
Does she seek inspiration from her grandfather's timeless works? "Charlie Chaplin was a phenomenon, who has inspired not just me but so many others," she says.
The vintage Reverso Duoplan is part of Carmen's collection
Her favourites among grandpa's films? "I love City Lights because it was his way of showcasing the strength of silent movies, when talkies were threatening to take over," she says. "I also watch A King in New York, over and over again because my father co-stars along with my grandfather."
Carmen says she has inherited her grandfather's sense of humour. "But these days, my clowning around is mostly for the benefit of my daughter!"
Since she is busy juggling motherhood and her passion for filmmaking, time has become an absolute luxury for her. One thing she tries to never miss is to be in touch with Mother Nature.
Elaborating on her association with Jaeger-LeCoultre, Carmen admits that she was not really a collector but her appreciation for watches has certainly grown. "It is difficult to pick a favourite since I love the Rendez-Vous as much as my pink-gold Reverso," she says.
Carmen relates well with the brand's concept of heritage and classic designs. "Jaeger-LeCoultre would have been the obvious choice for me since our association was established by my grandfather," she says. "Unlike technology, which becomes outdated every few months, a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is a treasure that you pass on from one generation to another."
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