Off-Centerpiece : <i> We’re </i> Weird? It’s You Guys Who Love Mickey Rourke

The popularity of “La Femme Nikita” in the United States has taken French actress Anne Parillaud by surprise. “It’s a weird country,” she says. “It’s hard to understand what they are thinking.”

But there’s no question the acclaimed French thriller has put the actress on the map of international cinema. She vividly brings to life the enigmatic Nikita, a former junkie who is turned into a cool, sophisticated government assassin.

Parillaud received a Cesar (France’s Oscar) for her performance and “Nikita,” directed by boyfriend Luc Besson, was a box-office sensation last year in France. Since its release in the U.S. three months ago, it has become an art-house hit, grossing $3.7 million.

“Nikita” has made Parillaud sought-after in Hollywood. “I absolutely want to work in Hollywood, but I don’t have the Hollywood dream,” she explains. “To some actresses, working in Hollywood is most important. But not me. There is very good work done in Hollywood (but) a lot isn’t. It’s more important to be an international actress because there is not enough work in Europe. That means working everywhere.”

Parillaud completed “Nikita” over two years ago and has bided her time for a project and a role in which she believes. She found it in “Map of the Human Heart,” a French-Australian-Canadian-English co-production in which she co-stars with Patrick Bergin of “Sleeping With the Enemy.” Miramax will distribute the film here.

In the drama, set just before and during World War II, Parillaud plays a half-Indian, half-Canadian who falls in love with two men. The film, directed by Vincent Ward, also marks her English-language debut.

Parillaud made headlines last month at the Cannes Film Festival when a Truth or Dare game erupted at Madonna’s “Truth or Dare” party. Madonna was dared to kiss Parillaud on the lips. And, not surprisingly, she did. Parillaud said it was “fun. I feel as an actress, I am a sponge. I love to expose my mind (to various people)--it is food for me. So why not go have dinner with Madonna? Nothing bad happened.”