Bellucci Donna

Monica Belucci tal ks girl power – or rather , woman power

You had to keep your casting a secret – was that hard?

I didn’t say anything because I know that it’s so important for them to keep it a secret. So actually, just one day before the press conference, my name was on the press.

Is that exciting or is it frustrating when you can’t talk about a project?

No, it’s OK. I’m not a child anymore.

You’ve said that it’s wonderful that your character, Lucia Sciarra, is a more mature woman – not just a Bond girl...

It’s such a new thing. At the same time, it’s something beautiful. Not just for me as an actress, but I think it’s a really beautiful example to respect femininity.

This is a high profile role in a huge franchise to take on...

My work is really dependent on light. It means if I want to be an actress where the people see what I do, and it’s important that people share with you what you do, then I have to be that. Sometimes to be in the light is not always easy. So that’s why when I’m on the red carpet or I have to do promotion, it’s part of my… light. But then the light brings shadows [ laughs]. My real life is my family, my friends – because I think the problem in my business is when sometimes there is no more division [ between] your image and what you are, it’s so dangerous. People see you on the cover of magazines and they see you in the movies. You have to be clear that’s a part of you – really little. Then the rest, you’re a real woman. You do everyday life like anybody else.

How do you manage to be a successful woman in a man’s world?

[ Sings] “It’s a man’s world...” I survive. I’m lucky because I’m in this modern time, so we can do things that in the past would be impossible. I’m so lucky and so happy in this moment of history, and not before.

So the next Bond after Daniel should be a woman...

A strong girl – it’d be amazing. If the world is ready for that! JC