Sagnier who is often compared with screen sirens like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, drew international acclaim for a series of films in 2002 and 2003, but has recently has been taking smaller roles.

CNN: Veteran new wave filmmaker seduces French starlet Sagnier

At the end of "The Girl Cut In Two, " Sagnier appears on stage as a magician's assistant, smiling in the spotlight as she hears applause rise from the audience, the attention perhaps curing her depression over lovers lost.

CNN: Veteran new wave filmmaker seduces French starlet Sagnier

Chabrol co-wrote the screenplay for the heartbreak drama, in which Sagnier character is consistently disappointed in love and let down by the men around her, with his step-daughter, Cecile Maistre, who also served as assistant director on the film.

CNN: Veteran new wave filmmaker seduces French starlet Sagnier