5 Questions with Monica Bellucci
The international star sits down with me to talk about her one-woman show, her standout career (including being the oldest "Bond girl"), and what she loves about New York...
On a frigid night at the end of January – when most of us just wanted to stay home and binge Netflix – I got all dressed up for a night on the town.
At the invitation of Michael Kors, I went to see the great Italian actress Monica Bellucci at her one-night-only, one-woman show at the Beacon Theatre.
It was, as I said on Instagram, a classic New York night...
… with a fabulous afterparty at The Carlyle.
Bellucci was sublime in her portrayal of legendary opera singer Maria Callas.
No, she didn’t sing like Callas.
She did something far more intimate.
She read letters Callas wrote to close friends and lovers, including Aristotle Onassis.
Google that one, it’s a doozy.
After the show, I had so many questions... I wanted to know more.
So, here you go:
ALINA CHO: First of all, I loved the show! You really channeled Maria Callas and brought so much emotion to the role. You’ve never been on stage before. What drew you to this project?
MONICA BELLUCCI: Tom Volf made a beautiful documentary called Maria by Callas for which he did extensive research, including into Maria’s personal letters. The letters were so beautiful, he had the idea of making the show and asked me to be part of it. Even if the thought of going on stage for the first time intimidated me, I agreed.
ALINA CHO: I’m a little ashamed to admit this, but I didn’t know much about Callas before seeing your show. I was surprised to hear about her severe bouts with depression and her longtime relationship with Aristotle Onassis. (After years together, Onassis broke things off with Callas and married Jacqueline Kennedy. Callas read about the wedding in the papers). What aspects of her life did you relate to?
MONICA BELLUCCI: These letters and memories feel like touching her soul, and I wanted to share that with the audience. I tried to get into this role in the humblest way possible, to dig into Maria, the human. The letters gave me access to the part of her that was not in the public eye.
ALINA CHO: Can we talk about the dress for a minute?
You wore one of Callas’s own dresses on stage – a gorgeous black Saint Laurent gown that fit you like a glove. Be honest, what was that like?
MONICA BELLUCCI: I was very lucky to wear one of her dresses for the performances (Bellucci has also performed Maria Callas: Letters & Memoirs in Paris, Athens, Rome, Milan, and London). It actually really helped to get into her skin, so to speak. The first time I tried it on, I was so moved to be wearing something that really belonged to her. And it gave me the strength to be on stage. I felt like she was with me somehow.
ALINA CHO: Let’s talk about your incredible career. You’ve had so many groundbreaking roles. At 50, you were the oldest Bond girl in the history of the franchise.
You’re so iconic you played yourself in the hit Netflix series, Call My Agent! To what do you owe your success and your longevity in a business that’s notoriously so tough?
MONICA BELLUCCI: When we talk about a career, it’s not just about what you want but also what comes to you. It’s not like we sit around a table and map out what your career will look like. It’s more of a synergy between what you want, what comes to you, and the choices you make. I am fortunate enough to have an international career because wonderful artists from all over the world, such as Giuseppe Tornatore, Gaspar Noé and Sam Mendes, gave me a shot at working with them. Moving from one experience to another gave me the possibility to open up my career prospects. To get in touch with different cultures through my work gave me new perspectives as an actress but also helped me evolve as a person.
ALINA CHO: Finally, before we go, I know you live primarily in Paris, but your daughter lives in New York and I know you love the city. Tell me, what do you like to do when you visit New York?
MONICA BELLUCCI: Of course, The Carlyle, I love it!
I also really enjoy The Greenwich Hotel, and the new Fouquet’s. For delicious food, Robert DeNiro’s Locanda Verde in Tribeca, and I always take the time to go to Cipriani when I’m in town. I’ll cruise through the MoMa or the Guggenheim for some culture. Sometimes, I’ll walk around and happen upon a vintage market, which I always enjoy. I’ll be back in New York very soon, actually. In April, for the premiere of the comedy Mafia Mamma directed by Catherine Hardwicke, with Toni Collette.
ALINA CHO: Can’t wait!