Maria Schneider made her screen debut in the 1969 French drama film ‘The Christmas Tree’ directed by Terence Young. The film is often remembered for its emotional and tear-jerking scenes. Following her debut, she went on to star in films like ‘Madly’ (1970), ‘Les jambes en l'air’ (1971), ‘La Vieille Fille’ (1972), ‘Ultimo tango a Parigi’ (1972), and ‘Cari genitori’ (1973). In 1974, she starred in the drama art film ‘The Passenger’ directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. The film was praised by critics, particularly for its cinematography and performance of the cast. That same year, she was also seen in the Italian-French-German thriller–drama film ‘Wanted: Babysitter’ directed by René Clément. The film was the last directorial venture of René Clément. She next starred in films such as ‘Violanta’ (1977), ‘Voyage au jardin des morts’ (1978), ‘Een vrouw als Eva’ (1979), ‘La Dérobade’ (1979), ‘Haine’ (1980), ‘Mama Dracula’ (1980), ‘Une saison de paix à Paris’ (1981), ‘Merry-Go-Round’ (1981), ‘Balles perdues’ (1982), ‘Princess & the Photographer’ (1984), ‘Résidence surveillée’ (1987), ‘Bunker Palace Hôtel’ (1989), ‘The Conviction’ (1991), ‘Au pays des Juliets’ (1992), and ‘Les Nuits fauves’ (1992). In 1996, she portrayed ‘Bertha Mason’ in the romantic drama film ‘Jane Eyre’ directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film received a positive response from critics and currently sits on a 75% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes. She was next seen in films ‘Something to Believe In’ (1998), ‘Les Acteurs’ (2000), ‘La Repentie’ (2002), and ‘Au large de Bad Ragaz’ (2004). In 2004, she made an appearance in the 14th season of the international television series ‘Maigret.’ Schneider next starred in films like ‘Quale amore’ (2006), ‘La Vie d'artiste’ (2007), and ‘La clef’ (2007). Schneider was last seen in the 2008 Josiane Balasko-directed French comedy-drama film ‘A French Gigolo’ where she played the role of ‘Marie-Hélène.’
