Around 2002, Marion Cotillard was steadily building her reputation in French cinema. She had already gained attention for her role in Taxi (1998) and its sequels, where she played Lilly Bertineau, a part that helped introduce her to a wider audience. By the early 2000s, she was taking on more diverse roles that showcased her dramatic range.

In 2001, she starred in Les Jolies Choses (Pretty Things), a film that earned her a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actress. This performance marked a turning point in her career, highlighting her ability to portray complex, emotionally layered characters. These early roles laid the foundation for her international breakthrough later in the decade with La Vie en Rose (2007).