Monica Bellucci Explores Rage in "Ketticè"

Monica Bellucci has taken on a role she describes as unprecedented in "Ketticè," directed by Giovanni Tortorici. The film, which premiered at Locarno, is set in Palermo in 2012 and delves into the life of a troubled teenager and his mother.

Bellucci portrays a wife and mother grappling with the hidden frustrations of high society. Her character exhibits a bitter rage, finding outlets in peculiar behaviors like consuming small cakes and screaming, illustrating a significant generational gap with her son.

"Ketticè" showcases Bellucci in a tragicomic light, a departure from her more dramatic or genre film roles. Her character's aggressive yet ultimately powerless demeanor highlights her internal struggles and inability to change her circumstances.

Director Tortorici commended Bellucci's intelligent and realistic portrayal, noting its truthfulness to aristocratic life. Bellucci, in turn, praised Tortorici's talent and the performances of her young co-stars, Salvatore Gallina and Rachele Testagrossa.

Bellucci continues to collaborate with young directors, valuing the exchange of diverse perspectives. She recently worked with Maria Sole Tognazzi and Léa Mysius, finding these collaborations offer roles distinct from her usual archetypes, requiring her to explore unfamiliar emotional territory.

She selects roles based on instinct, valuing the element of surprise directors bring to her work. Bellucci notes that her body has changed, enabling her to express different life aspects and emotions now than in her younger years. She acknowledges the improving landscape for adult actresses, contrasting it with past limitations, and emphasizes that while her work is important, life itself remains paramount.