When you direct your first film, you always start by telling stories that you are familiar with.

Marceau had photos taken at the agency but did not think anything would come of it. In 1988 Sophie Marceau starred in L'Étudiante (The Student) and the historical adventure film Chouans!.

Marceau became an international film star with her performances in Braveheart (1995) Firelight (1997) and the James Bond thriller The World Is Not Enough (1999). As a teenager Marceau achieved popularity with her debut films La Boum (1980) and La Boum 2 (1982) receiving a César Award for Most Promising Actress.