Sophia LOREN: No Secrets

There are individuals whose lifetime attainments are far greater than any data can illustrate, however upgraded and topical. Sophia Loren, the most beautiful woman, the most captivating, most gifted actor, is one such individual. This author interviewed her when she visited Kyiv toward the end of last year.

To begin with, would you kindly recall for us which of the Russian — maybe also Ukrainian producers have you remained in contact with? Are there any joint projects being planned?

Sophia LOREN: You see, actors are people that can only be looked up by producers if they have interesting scripts to offer. I am always glad to take part in a project offering interesting roles. So far I haven’t had contact with any Ukrainian or Russian film directors, not after Vittorio de Sica’s Sunflowers, when I came to Ukraine [for on-location shooting]. It turned out to be a very successful movie.

Can you remember how you felt at the time?

Sophia LOREN: In fact, my memories are vivid. It was my first visit to Ukraine as an actor. My son Carlo was also in the cast, actually playing my son, according to the script. This only served to enhance my emotional response. By the way, Carlo is 34, he is an excellent orchestra conductor, a loving husband, and an exemplary family man. My other son is a film director.

You are invited to take part in countless events held by cultural centers, also to appear at film festivals in a number of countries. What has brought you to Ukraine?

Sophia LOREN: Once I heard the word Kyiv, my heart began to beat faster, as all those memories came flooding back. In contrast, whenever I am invited to go anywhere with by fellow Italians, I’d rather race in any different direction, the farther the better.

They say that life is a series of coincidences. Have you experienced any destined to play a fatal role?

Sophia LOREN: You mean professionally or privately?

Both.

Sophia LOREN: My life has always followed a rather uncomplicated course, a straight one, I’d say, as though meant to serve as an example for others. No one has ever succeeded in forcing me to accept things as they were advancing on me, in my professional as well as private life.

How do you feel about feminism? You have often appeared onscreen as an aggressive woman...

Sophia LOREN: Mamma mia! Feminism again! The answer is no! Of course, I wholeheartedly support all women. Women tend to be very temperamental, but also quite tolerant, especially when it comes to family life — and this is something I am particularly interested in.

Given a choice between career and family, what would you choose? Also, what do you think is most important for women, beauty or wisdom?

Sophia LOREN: Naturally, family has been the most important aspect of my life. You are probably aware that I’ve had problems with my children. They appeared later than I’d wanted, but we won’t discuss it here. I’d wanted to have a family, children, since I was 16, but that was easier said than done. And then, with a bit of luck and help from good people, I begot two sons. I am very proud of them. As for your second question, choosing between beauty and wisdom, I’d choose the latter. After all, my first name is Sophia, Greek for wisdom.

You are a very bright European star, yet you went to Hollywood. What made you venture that trip across the ocean? How long did it take to find your place after returning to Europe?

Sophia LOREN: I went to America as a young girl. I was 20. I went there not only to become an actor, but also to broaden my horizons in principle, to see people of whom I had heard so much, and of meeting with whom I could only dream. Besides, I wanted to improve my English, for I am sure that an actor must speak and play roles in his or her own as well as in other languages. It all turned out beautifully. I worked with the best actors of the times when I was 20, then 21. This helped my professional growth a great deal. After returning to Italy, I met an outstanding man. I mean Vittorio de Sica, God rest his soul. With him I have played in probably the best movies in my career. Although I should confess that I did win the main awards in America: two Oscars, one for my creative and professional merits and the other for The Road, which is perhaps a unique event in the world cinema, when an Oscar was awarded a foreign language production.

A few words about your partners. Marcello Mastroianni comes first, of course. You starred with him in the Marriage Italian Style and later in Sunflowers in Ukraine. For many people here think Sunflowers is your best film.

Sophia LOREN: Vittorio de Sica and I made films based on excellent scripts. Sunflowers is one such beautiful story. Mastroianni and I were old friends. I had met him when just starting as an actress and he was already acting in movies and on stage. I was seventeen and he was a friend living in the same neighborhood. We have played in a lot of films, and I still remember each one, every scene. I don’t think that the history of the cinema has another example of such harmony between actors as between Mastroianni and me.

You acted your own part in Sophia Loren: Her Own Story. Was it easy or difficult?

Sophia LOREN: It turned out harder than any other role I’d ever played. But then I was telling my own story, so I knew what I was talking about. First, I’d written my autobiography and it proved so popular we decided to make a film.

Did you have an idol as a little girl? Has anyone taken that idol’s place since then? Is he still there?

Sophia LOREN: I was eighteen, living in a small Italian town. Did I have an idol? I was in love with all the movie stars at the time. Much has changed since then, now I have different criteria telling which people I ought to like or dislike. I am fond of Clint Eastwood as a film director, but the name that comes to mind first is that of Sean Connery. I’d love to appear with him in my next movie. Other actors seem too juvenile.

Can you think of a film role you’d regard as a cherished dream come true, something you’ve never played but would love to perform?

Sophia LOREN: Every actor has a cherished dream. My mother was a very beautiful woman, she even won a Greta Garbo twin contest, and the competition was severe, hundreds of women claiming perfect resemblance. My mother won it. My cherished dream is to play Anna Karenina. Other actors have played the role, I haven’t, because something went wrong at the last minute. True, my husband and I tried it more than once, but then we had problems finding the right actor to play Prince Vronsky. Well, I’ve never played the part, but the idea is still there, I keep it close to heart.

Which of your roles has left the strongest emotional impact?

Sophia LOREN: I can’t think of many scripts which I’ve read and felt really excited. It’s important to realize from the outset that what you’re reading is a story that will be a real shock, something so very important for you. I can tell you that I’ve always experienced such emotions when reading Vittorio de Sica’s scripts. He knew me and could always arrange for me to play a role using up practically every dramatic reserve. There is another production I can think of, Ettore Scola’s Special Day. It did give me chills.

Mrs. Loren, how would you describe an ideal man? His character, ways, and so on?

Sophia LOREN: I don’t have to. Look at my sons.

Movie stars often take up politics. Schwarzenegger became a US governor recently. Reagan was elected president. What about you?

Sophia LOREN: I’m different, not fond of politics. I am the mother of my sons; I want to take care of my family, but I can seldom find the time.

Back in 1993, you went a trip, almost round the world, going as far as Somalia. You don’t need any promotional campaigns. So why the trip?

Sophia LOREN: If you have a family and if you can use your name to do something to help people starving in Somalia, for example, you should do so, It’s your duty. Yet nothing has changed apparently, despite my efforts.

Everybody knows about your beauty recipes. Is it true that you always go to bed at 9 pm?

Sophia LOREN: I do, but this has nothing to do with any beauty recipes. It’s just that I have grown accustomed to going to bed at this time since childhood when I’d always get up at seven in the morning to study. Eventually I decided to keep the habit.

What do you like besides your work?

Sophia LOREN: I like taking strolls, watching sunsets, and reading books, except that more often than not there is no time left for such indulgences; I keep working for the cinema, television, and so on.

You have played countless movie roles. Which is your true life role?

Sophia LOREN: It’s here, you’re watching it. I have no secrets. And it’s all quite simple, actually. I wanted to get married and have children. I did. I wanted to become a film actor. I worked hard to do so, then I did become a good actor. Meaning that there are actually no secrets. I am what I am.