She’ll be the judge in this ‘Act’

EMMA Thompson’s new movie is “The Children Act.” Playing a judge in a life-and-death situation, her court is faced with a teenage boy whose life can be saved — decrees ma

teria medica — only by a blood transfusion. Based on religious objection, his Jehovah’s Witness parents refuse medical intervention.

“Very difficult for me,” said Emma. “I certainly respect a mother and father’s decision for their own child, but still can’t rationalize allowing a son to die.

“I met with judges to learn what pains they might go through in handling such a situation. Some friends preside in family court. We discussed how hard it is to deal with such responsibility. They told me how they handle it. How difficult it can be.

“We discussed courage of convictions and the power prosecutors can wield. I did research. I sat in court. I watched how they presided.

“It’s hard to compete with religion yet allowing parents to affect that decision, albeit for religious purposes, seems not reasonable when your child could die. Our scenes are intense.

“However, many people do things you can’t understand. A complexity of genetics negates existence of these arguments. You see young people dying early so it’s a philosophical road. You must let it go when you realize people do things you just can’t understand.”

What we can understand is that Emma was stunning. Black pearl hanging earrings, gray Stella McCartney pantsuit, and platinum-blond short bob. “My hair had a white streak so I figured I’d do the whole thing with a bit of bleach.” Also, we can’t understand how Thompson with Oscars, an Emmy, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, etc., started her career. She says: “I was a comedienne for years. I did stand-up, all my own writing, until I was 27. Then, accidentally, I got an acting job.” And what did she enjoy while in our city? “Nothing. Only time to see one Broadway show.” And what was that? “‘ SpongeBob SquarePants.’ ”