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A reputation for starring in straight-to-video action flops isn't usually a ticket to arthouse acclaim, but that's just how things have worked out for Christophe Lambert

Christophe Lambert cuts a distinctly American-in-Paris figure as he strolls, Blackberry in hand, to the table where his bottle of Coke Zero and pack of Marlboros are lying in wait. Against the marble- floored, chandelier-lit lobby of Paris' Hotel Crillon, his choice of dress – jeans, trainers and black sweatshirt rolled up to the elbows – seems even more defiantly un-French. Who needs chic when you've got Hollywood?

But, comfortingly familiar though the aura is, this is not the Lambert who became a star in Highlander in 1986, all tousled blond mane and piercingly blue eyes. His hair is now sleek, kempt and grey. He peers through spectacles – his myopia is so severe he often has to act without being able to see very much.

If the...

Given man's unwavering fascination with woman, it's no surprise that the female star acts as the anchor to a dominant portion of horror pictures. I mean really, who wants to see a bare chested man tearin ass through the woods screaming at the top of his lungs while a bladed assailant nips at his heels? I don't - I know that much, although I'm certain there are plenty of men who would disagree (and that's okay with me, to each his own!). The simple fact remains however, women bring a unique appeal and certain sensual atmosphere to film that no man ever could. And it's not all about gratuitous T&A.

There's a comforting quality in the hands of the heroine; a fascinating maternal strength that, as a man I cannot genuinely relate to. I can however admire, and in many cases it's nearly impossible to not admire the lone...