MONICA BELLUCCI (58) GIVES AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ‘OLDER WOMEN MATTER’

Icon, superstar and most beautiful woman in the world. We run out of superlatives to describe Monica Bellucci (58). When asked if we wanted to interview her, we said YES.LINDA. editor Robyn spoke to the Italian supermodel and actress for an exclusive interview about her new movie Mafia Mamma and ageism in Hollywood.
MONICA BELLUCCIWhen we call Monica Bellucci an icon, we are not exaggerating. The former supermodel started her career at a young age at Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier and Dior, studied law, speaks four languages, is considered the most beautiful woman in the world and had her breakthrough as an actress in the 90s. With films like The Matrix and roles as a Bond girl in James Bond: Specter, she is definitely not the least.

Now Bellucci can be seen in the comedy Mafia Mamma , in which she plays the Italian Bianca, the counselor of the American mother and new mafia boss Kristin (Toni Collette). “Like my generation, I grew up in Italy watching mafia movies like The Godfather and Goodfellas , but I never expected to be in one myself. And certainly not in a comedy with a female twist.”
MAFIA MOMThe film may indeed be a hilarious look at the world of the mafia in Rome, but there is a message behind it, including that female twist. “There is something deep in it, even if it is a funny movie. We live in a society that is still dominated by men, but in the film two women are at the head of the family. It’s a subtle feminist twist, but not dogmatic.”

The actress is 58, her co-star Toni Collette is 50. Unique, according to the Italian. “Unfortunately it is still quite rare to see older women in films. With Mafia Mamma we show that we still matter. We are sexy, funny and sensual. We live.”
AGE DISCRIMINATIONShe elaborates further: “I am an actress, but at the same time also a mother. It is a constant balancing act between work and private life. There is also a certain duality in our characters that connects to this: Bianca and Kristen are very sweet and maternal, but at the same time do not shy away from aggression. Women can be masculine if they have to. We may not like that, but we can do it.”

Fortunately, the industry is slowly changing, she notes. “Age discrimination, racism and sexism are not uncommon in Hollywood. I myself play more in Europe, where it is different. We’ve got all these great actresses being celebrated, think Judy Dench, so change is in sight. That is amazing.”

Post navigation