MY BRILLIANT FRIEND
STARRING: Elisa Del Genio
In 1950s Naples, teacher’s pet Elena (Del Genio) finds unexpected competition in tempestuous Lila (Ludovica Nasti). As Elena falls under her thrall, the two are caught up in neighbourhood dramas. Based on the bestselling novel, My Brilliant Friend is as simple and rich in flavour as a Napoli sauce, and the child actors are captivating. But it’s easy to lose your way in a story that meanders.
(Starts Tues., Nov. 20, 8.30pm; Fox Showcase)
The Oscar winner, 50, stars in new series Escape at Dannemora (on Stan from Mon., Nov. 19) and tells WHO about the last time she…
Was outside her comfort zone
I still feel weird in front of the camera. I’m also very shy and don’t like to change clothes around people, like for wardrobe fittings. I just sneak off to a private place, like, “I’ll be back.”
Danced
We had a dance party celebrating Alexis [her brother, who died in 2016], and I danced up a storm. If I don’t like the music, then I resort to interpretive dance as punishment.
Enjoyed a guilty pleasure
Maybe this is TMI, but I have my period and I did have some Jelly Bellys today, and they hit the spot. And I don’t have any guilt. That’s a medical necessity.
Took something from set
I always think I want something, and then I’m like, “Get me the hell out of here.” I’m a pack rat, so I can’t take anything more.
Felt a moment of bliss
I missed my connecting flight, so I ended up changing planes in New York, and my boyfriend [Eric White] is working there, so I took a cab to go see him. Sometimes you just need that little hug.