Mónica Bellucci is currently immersed in a delightful phase of her career, marked by the opportunity to portray mature characters that were beyond her reach "6 or 10 years ago."
Expressing her satisfaction, the Italian actress acknowledges the fortuity of being able to embody roles that reflect the beauty of love, s----lity, and sensuality as products of energy rather than age. Bellucci describes the film as a beautiful representation of these elements, emphasizing the timeless nature of romance on screen.
For Bellucci, her character in the film is a manifestation of adult roles, a journey she immersed herself in for four years, completely surrendering to Kusturica's project. Notably, this project required her to speak Serbian for the first time, marking a unique challenge in her distinguished career.
The film, described by its director as a "modern fairy tale" set against the backdrop of the Balkan War, showcases Bellucci's interpretative maturity through a mysterious character distinct from her iconic roles in films like 'Malena' (2000) or 'Matrix' (2003).
Characterizing this as a new chapter in her on-screen presence, Bellucci reflects on the shift that began with 'Spectre' (2015), where she became the first mature woman to be romantically involved with the eternal James Bond.
In Kusturica's latest creation, Bellucci's character, though maternal, possesses a lethal edge inspired by the true story of a Serbian-Italian spy named Luna. The film unfolds as an ode to nature and love amid the brutalities of the Balkan War, introducing a mysterious Italian woman, played by Bellucci, into the life of Kostos, a milkman portrayed by the Serbian director.
Bellucci highlights the magical connection between the two characters, both grappling with the stark realities of the Yugoslav war in the '90s. Grateful for the opportunity to play such roles, she notes the evolving perception of mature actresses in the industry, acknowledging the changing societal perspective toward women and their roles in cinema.
Despite the age-related shifts, Bellucci asserts that the industry should not view the age disparity between male and female actors over fifty as a conflict but rather emphasizes the importance of communication. She sees it as a mutual need between genders rather than a battleground, advocating for a more inclusive and cooperative approach.
Currently engaged in the production of an undisclosed international series where she will also take on a leading role, Bellucci values the time spent on personal endeavors and with her two children. While she relishes involvement in the scriptwriting process, she firmly rejects the idea of becoming a director, affirming that directing is not a path she intends to pursue.
