‘Malena’ Star Monica Bellucci (62) Discusses the Upsides of Aging in Hollywood

Monica Bellucci has been a prominent figure in European and international cinema for many years. Known for her role in ‘Malena’, she received the David Special award in 2021, recognizing her lifetime achievements from the Academy of Italian Cinema. Few actors are better positioned to reflect on the longevity of a screen career.

This perspective is crucial in an industry that often equates youth with value. A recent article in a Spanish publication highlighted her thoughts on the industry’s fixation with “artificial” youth. Bellucci, however, holds a contrasting view on aging.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar España, published on September 18, the 62-year-old actress expressed that she views aging as “a wonderful gift.”

Her reasoning is straightforward. She stated, “either you grow old and accept the process with dignity, or you die,” emphasizing her preference for embracing aging. For her, growing older signifies the privilege of being alive and having a future.

Bellucci elaborated on the benefits of maturity. She explained that it brings a sense of detachment, allowing her to transition from merely being an actress to becoming an observer of the world, which offers a fresh perspective. As time goes by, even simple pleasures like good health or the aroma of morning coffee become sources of gratitude.

This positive outlook influences her performances. Bellucci stars in ‘The Birthday Party’ (also known as ‘Histoires de la nuit’), portraying Cristina, an Italian painter and the sole neighbor of a family living in a secluded marshland. She remarked that she could never have embodied this role at 30 or 40, even with aging makeup.

To convey a character with such inner turmoil authentically, she believes one must have lived and accumulated experiences. In the film, she mentioned that her weary appearance serves as a narrative tool, which she considers a gift for any actor. This contrasts with her role in ‘Seven Dogs’, where a glamorous portrayal is required.

The film boasts significant credentials. Directed by Léa Mysius and adapted from Laurent Mauvignier’s novel, it premiered in the main competition at Cannes on May 22 and opened in France on September 16. Mysius previously received an Oscar nomination for the screenplay of ‘Emilia Pérez’.

Reactions to the thriller have varied. DMovies criticized it as lacking imagination but highlighted a scene where Bellucci’s character attempts to seduce one of the men as a standout moment. On Letterboxd, the film holds an average rating of 3.04 out of 5.

Regardless of the film’s reception, Bellucci’s message remains clear. She believes actors must continually reinvent themselves, and she appears to be doing just that, embracing each new decade.

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