How Charlotte Rampling acted like a hooligan before becoming Reverend Mother Bene Gesserit

Many viewers associate Charlotte Rampling with Denis Villeneuve's "Dune." However, she entered the film industry long before that — and she did it quite boldly. What was the future Gaia-Elena Mohiyam like before the era of sandworms and imperial intrigues?

The Role That Almost Ruined a Career

Charlotte was only 17 when she was noticed by a film agent. Even without an acting education, the young Rampling instantly attracted public attention by starring in the film "Georgy Girl" (1966).

Her character, Meredith, challenges the stereotypes of the time. She openly talks about having had abortions, doesn't dream of marriage, and gives her child to an ex-lover upon realizing she's not ready for motherhood. This was one of the first examples of Rampling choosing unconventional roles.

A black-and-white portrait of young Charlotte Rampling with thick hair and a mysterious smile, dressed in a dress with a geometric pattern. — Charlotte Rampling in the film "Georgy Girl"

"Meredith was magnificent! She was the beginning of feminism," the actress is quoted by the newspaper The Sunday Post. But not everyone shared her enthusiasm. After this role, Charlotte's career stalled—directors thought she was as uncompromising in real life as her character. "They should have understood that I was just acting. I would never treat my child the way Meredith did!" the actress laments.

From Actress to Nun

When directors finally recognized Rampling's talent, her career skyrocketed. But an unexpected tragedy nearly shattered everything: Charlotte's sister, 23-year-old Sarah, took her own life, unable to cope with postpartum depression.

Seeking relief from the pain, the actress took a break from her profession: she began to travel extensively and later found refuge in a Buddhist monastery. "It helped me a lot. I was in complete chaos. After the tragedy in my family, I thought I wanted to act in films that challenge audiences. I wanted to give meaning to what I do," Rampling explains.

A Film That Redefined the Boundaries of the Permissible

In 1974, "The Night Porter" by director Liliana Cavani hit the screens, and the world stood still. This film remains one of the most controversial in cinematic history.

As noted by zoomboola.com, 28-year-old Rampling played Lucia, a former concentration camp prisoner who unexpectedly encounters her tormentor, a former SS officer (Dirk Bogarde). Their relationship, based on painful memories, balances on the edge of love and pathology.

Young Charlotte Rampling with long hair sits on the floor by the stove, shackled in chains, and is trying to break free. — A scene from the film 'The Night Porter'

"The Night Porter" is not just a blend of sensual obsession and sadomasochistic passion. Behind its shocking scenes lies a profound look at post-war Europe trying to come to terms with its dark past.

"Rampling is absolutely stunning—few actresses would dare to appear in such a film and in such a role. Even fewer could convey all the nuances, from harrowing to erotic, as well as she does," notes critic Roger Ebert.

Opinions of viewers were divided: some called the film art, others exploitation of trauma. 'The critics' discontent was provoked by the film's marketing department, which used excerpts from these negative reviews to promote the film,' emphasizes the BBC.

The mixed reviews of "The Night Porter" are unsurprising: on IMDb, the film has a score of 6.7, while Rotten Tomatoes notes its 67% "freshness." But one thing is certain: the image of a semi-nude Charlotte in a military cap has forever entered the history of cinema.

How Sean Connery Became a Meme, and Charlotte Became an Icon of Courage

In 1974, Sean Connery, who had just left the Bond franchise, starred in the extravagant dystopia “Zardoz” by John Boorman. Yes, it's the movie where he flaunts in tall boots and red briefs with suspenders.

But while Connery's image quickly became a meme, no one laughed at Rampling. Her character, Consuella, is a strong and cold-blooded woman who initially despises the main character but later succumbs to passion.

Young Charlotte Rampling in a green dress with her hair up stands against a blurred background featuring the figures of people — Charlotte Rampling in the film 'Zardoz'

The film contains plenty of revealing scenes where Rampling appears semi-nude. But the actress not only demonstrated her physical beauty but also her courage — such unusual female roles were rare in the 70s.

“Years later, I saw ‘Zardoz’ on French television and thought it was quite good,” shares the actress. A modest assessment, considering how much Charlotte's performance in this film impressed audiences.

"Max, My Love," or How Charlotte Had a Romance with a Monkey

Rampling has always sought roles that require complete emotional exposure. She often plays women who face loss, betrayal, depression, and inner demons.

Charlotte Rampling in a blue dress lies on an old mattress, hugging a chimpanzee, in a room with peeling walls — Scene from the film "Max, My Love"

For example, in the satirical comedy "Max, My Love" (1986), she transformed into the wife of an English diplomat who develops... a strange attachment to a chimpanzee. Absurd? Perhaps. But it's bold experiments like these that have made her a cult figure in arthouse cinema.

A Rebel in Cinema and Beyond

The muse of European arthouse, Charlotte Rampling consistently preferred complex and provocative roles, consciously avoiding the mainstream. "I never looked for quick paths. I always worked on my terms and turned down a lot because it didn't suit me. It didn't suit the person I was," says the actress.

Two photos of Charlotte Rampling: on the left in a black outfit with a veil, on the right she is smiling with short hair against the backdrop of a press wall — Charlotte Rampling in 'Dune' (left)

However, over time, she did step into the world of big-budget cinema. In 'Dune' Charlotte continues to mesmerize the audience — now in the role of a woman embodying secret power and the art of manipulation. As we can see, time passes, but Rampling is still not afraid to take risks and break molds. That's why we love her.

Which Charlotte Rampling film has impressed you the most? Let's discuss in the comments!