Monica Bellucci says she is ‘not bothered’ by sexual objectification as it launched her acting career after the Italian star made the transition from modeling to TV and film
Monica Bellucci admits she was glad she was sexually objectified during the early years of her career because it helped her become a global phenomenon.
The Italian star rose to prominence as a model with Dolce & Gabbana before transitioning into TV and film, with notable roles in Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mel Gibson’s controversial religious epic The Passion Of The Christ.
And Bellucci, 58, credits the objectification she experienced as a young model and actress for giving her a solid professional foothold.
She said Harper’s Bazaar Spain: ‘I didn’t mind being objectified. When I felt that critical attitude towards me, I went along with it. Sometimes beauty creates masks.’
Referring to two early films in which Bellucci appears nude, she added, “And then I got the best out of my body in certain roles, too, didn’t I?” Like in Malena or Irreversible.’
Opening: Monica Bellucci tells Harper’s Bazaar Spain that she was happy to be objectified during the early years of her career because it made her a global phenomenon
Old times: The Italian star rose to prominence as a fashion model before embarking on a career as an actress in films like the 2000 thriller Under Suspicion (pictured)
The Italian star admits that it was easy for critics to highlight her sex appeal as she was an established model before embarking on a career as an actress.
“Of course they labeled me that,” she said. “The fact that I have a fashion background and worked with a lot of photographers before I started making films kind of created that image.”
Bellucci also discussed her new romance with Tim Burton just weeks after they finally confirmed their relationship.
She said, “I found in Tim (Burton) a great spirit. I’ve met a spectacular soul.’
Her romance with Burton comes ten years after her divorce from Vincent Cassel, to whom she was married for fourteen years. They share daughters Deva, 18, and Leoni, 13.
Speaking about her personal life, she also described fame as a “double-edged sword” and shared how she tries to keep aspects of her life private.
“Fame is a double-edged sword, it arouses a lot of curiosity and can also evoke conflicting feelings,” she explained.
“When I’m not working, I like to lead a normal life: I go shopping, I take my daughters to school.”
Earlier: Bellucci says she made the most of her body in the 2000 romantic comedy Malèna (pictured), in which she appears nude
Iconic: Another early movie role came in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, in which Bellucci played one of Dracula’s brides (pictured)
Fashion scoop: Bellucci photographed during a 1991 fashion shoot – she worked as a model before embarking on her acting career
Bellucci finally confirmed her romance with American filmmaker Tim in June after secretly dating for months.
She professed her love for the offbeat director and shared how happy she was to meet him during an interview with Elle France.
“What can I say… First of all, I’m glad I met the man,” she said. “It’s one of those rare encounters in life… I know the man, I love him, and now that I’m going to meet the director, a new adventure begins.”
The model and actress recently shot Beetlejuice 2 with Tim in London and she reflected on the filmmaker’s vision for the long-awaited sequel.
“I love Tim,” she continued. “And I have a lot of respect for Tim Burton… I like this dream world where the monsters are friendly, like we can change our dark aspects into something bright, forgiving. There’s a lot of talk about that in Tim Burton’s films.’
Stroke a pose: Bellucci is pictured in 1993 as a model for fashion designer Guy Laroche