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Could anyone imagine that the legendary Monica Bellucci could still surprise sophisticated audiences? As it turns out, yes. In a new project, the Italian diva has completely abandoned her familiar image of a femme fatale.

In an interview with Variety, the actress discussed her role in the tragicomedy Ketticè, directed by Giovanni Tortorici, which premiered at the Locarno Film Festival.

"I’ve never done anything like this," Bellucci admits. "I was on set in pyjamas, holding a knife, wearing slippers. This woman has completely stripped away her femininity."

Set in Palermo in 2012, the film follows a teenager named Giulio who is losing his way in life—even after meeting a free-spirited girl named Ketti. His mother, played by Bellucci, is going through a rough patch.

"It was very interesting to play this wife and mother who embodies anxiety and disappointment behind the facade of a fading high society," the actress says. "She is an unhappy, embittered woman full of hidden rage, but she has no outlet for those emotions."

According to Monica, her character tries to numb her inner crisis by eating pastries and constantly yelling at her husband and son. At the same time, the character balances on the edge of farce: she threatens her husband with a knife, but no one is afraid of her because everyone knows she lacks the courage to change her life. "In the end, she is simply their slave," the star sums up.

Director Giovanni Tortorici noted that Bellucci created a very "smart, realistic, and slightly eccentric character," in which members of the real aristocracy recognized a lot of truth. The actress herself was thrilled to work with young filmmakers, emphasizing that she values a clear vision and genuine passion in directors.

"Life Is Stronger Than Art"

Throughout her long career, Bellucci has worked across a multitude of genres—from arthouse (Malèna, Irreversible) to blockbusters (The Matrix, James Bond films). However, she is now drawn to unusual, age-appropriate roles and experiments with her own persona.

"Our bodies change, of course, but now we can express sides of life that were inaccessible before," the actress reflects. "I could never have played in Léa Mysius’s film The Party when I was 30 or 40. I needed the life experience."

Bellucci also noted that contemporary cinema is changing for the better for female actors: "Today, we are so lucky to keep working at a mature age. In the past, a career after 40 was virtually impossible. The process is slow, but changes are happening."

Nevertheless, despite her enduring passion for cinema and unexpected roles—such as working with David Lynch or collaborating with young auteurs—the actress maintains a philosophical outlook on her profession. "I love what I do very much and am grateful for the opportunity to participate in interesting projects. But life is much more important. Life is stronger than art."

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