_Olga Kurylenko Dream Machine

What memories do you have of the ex-USSR?

The more time goes by, the more these memories fade. I was very young at the time. However, as soon as the USSR collapsed, I remember how difficult life became for my family. Before Perestroika, we lived normally. After it, there were days when we had nothing to eat because we had no money any more. It’s true that if there’s one memory I still have it’s of being hungry all the time!

You were a model at the age of 16; what did you learn from that experience?

It was a chance to grow up very quickly and I very quickly became aware of my responsibilities. From then on, I was the only one running my life; no-one was going to help me so it was up to me to create something although I started with nothing. I was very focussed on everything I undertook. I was much more serious than I am now, much less relaxed. My friends would often say to me: “Why don’t you ever go on holiday? Why are you working all the time?”

From Quantum of Solace alongside Daniel Craig to To the Wonder with Ben Affleck and Javier Bardem, you play very different roles; which ones do you prefer?

I enjoy playing in action films and more dramatic films just as much. They are so different. The storyline is very important, and the people you are filming with as well; partners, the director and the entire film crew. It’s really the people who make it a good experience or not.

When you are not filming, what would be your perfect day?

Oh goodness! When I’m not filming I’m still working. Since my son was born I try to spend time with him. So my perfect day would be with him and my partner in a park, playing and having a picnic.

You are a young mother with a dream figure; what do you do to keep in shape?

Honestly, nothing special. I try to eat as healthily as possible, without obsessing. I eat everything – there are no forbidden foods, only food I try to eat as little of as possible and only when I really want it. What makes things easier is I don’t really have a sweet tooth so I almost never have a dessert. For example, I really don’t like ending a meal with a dessert so it’s not a big effort.