Emma Thompson recently shared a memorable story about Donald Trump during a masterclass at the Locarno Film Festival. She revealed that Trump called her while she was working on Primary Colors.
“A phone rang in my trailer, and it was Donald Trump,” she said. Initially, she thought it was a prank. When he said he wanted to invite her to dinner at one of his resorts, she was taken aback. “I thought: ‘This feels like stalking!'” She humorously reflected how that phone call could have changed American history.
Thompson’s career path has been anything but ordinary. She started as a comedian and has never hesitated to tackle tough subjects with humor. “I joked about Margaret Thatcher and herpes,” she noted, emphasizing how both can be hard to shake off.
Her journey into acting wasn’t planned. She recalls a moment from school when a hospital administrator impressed her with her shoes. “I thought that job seemed nice,” she explained, not realizing she’d become an acclaimed actress.
She received critical acclaim for her roles in classics like Howards End and The Remains of the Day. The latter was deeply personal for her as she drew from her grandmother’s struggles. Her grandmother faced severe hardships, including being forced into surrogate motherhood. This experience influenced Thompson’s portrayal of her character, Miss Kenton, showing how the past can shape one’s identity and choices.
Thompson’s work often intersects with real-world issues. While filming Primary Colors, the infamous Monica Lewinsky scandal broke, paralleling their narrative. “We were living it as we made the film,” she recalled.
Although she enjoyed her role in the Harry Potter series, she found more fulfillment in her own project, Nanny McPhee. “I wrote it for everyone,” she stated, emphasizing themes of grief and connection across generations.
Looking back, Thompson expressed surprise at the lasting love for Love Actually. She recalled Hugh Grant’s joking about the film’s premise, and how fans often approach her in public, emotional over its themes of heartbreak. “It’s fascinating how we women often hide our sorrow,” she said, reflecting on the portrayal of emotional resilience.
Thompson recently took home the Leopard Club Award at the festival and starred in Dead of Winter, which resonated with her on many levels. She praised the depth of her character, particularly for being older and grieving, a representation she believes is often lacking in media.
In her film Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, she explores a woman’s quest for fulfillment later in life. “The character knows she’s missing something,” Thompson said. She highlighted how discussions around the film have sparked conversations about body image and sexual fulfillment for people across different demographics.
Reflecting on vulnerability, she mentioned a pivotal scene of standing in front of a mirror. “It was about accepting oneself,” she explained. That moment captures the essence of her journey: embracing one’s humanity amidst struggles.
In an ever-evolving world, Thompson continues to challenge norms and engage audiences with her unique blend of humor and poignancy. Her stories remind us of the importance of connection, laughter, and authenticity in navigating life’s complexities.
For more about Emma Thompson’s remarkable career and insights, you can explore her work in the BBC or her interviews in The Guardian.
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Donald Trump,Emma Thompson,Locarno Film Festival