Monica Bellucci: Bond Girl
Monica Bellucci is the new Bond girl.
Bellucci is an Italian actress who, aged 50, has now become the oldest Bond girl in the next 007 film titled Spectre, after the title was previously held by Honor Blackman, 39, who starred in Goldfinger.
This is what you need to know about her:
The actress and model had previously auditioned for a Bond girl role before. Pierce Brosnan mentioned that she screen tested for the role in 1997 that eventually went to Teri Hatcher in
Tomorrow Never Dies.
When asked what she really thought of the James Bond character, Bellucci has said: “James Bond is our fantasy — the ideal man. The man is a protector, he is dangerous, mysterious and sexy, and a perfect English gentleman.”
Monica is from Umbria and studied law at Perugia university before moving to Milan and becoming a model.
Monica always wanted to be an actress but did not think it would ever come true.
Monica has houses in Citta di Castello in Italy, France, England and Brazil, though she says her heart will always be in Italy.
Monica played the role of Mary Magdalen in Mel Gibson’s award winning movie The Passion of the Christ.
She has a healthy Hollywood show reel with roles in films including The Matrix and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
On being Italian:
I am Italian through and through. Wherever I go I am Italian. The way I talk, the way I eat, the way femininity is important to me. The way I love Italian food. For this season’s fashion campaign Dolce&Gabbana shot me eating at a picnic with my family. That is beautiful — it’s not about the biological beauty, it’s about another kind of beauty. It’s about the womanliness that comes to your face and your body from your life and your experience.
What is her favourite movie?
Must-see movie La Dolce Vita because it captures the essence of Italian cinema like no other film. It’s Fellini’s masterpiece. The theme of searching for happiness and love is such a universal one but the film explores the character’s experience in a way that’s truly thought-provoking.
Dolce and Gabbana
Bellucci is the main muse of Dolce and Gabbana, for whom she has modelled for more than 20 years, after meeting them when they were just up-and-coming stylists and she was a model starting out in Milan. Their new precious Ruby Collection make up range is inspired by Bellucci, and symbolizes the fiery Sicilian passion that lies at the heart of Dolce&Gabbana. Colours range from Magnetic Monica to the classic red Chic Monica.
Bellucci said: “I think to put on red lipstick, or lipstick in general, is a very feminine act. It’s something i’ve seen my mother and grandmother do. It’s like it’s part of our DNA.”
She will make a brilliant Bond Girl.
