A globally recognized icon, Monica Bellucci stands out as a premier model and actress whose talent has captivated audiences in Italy and beyond. She first gained significant recognition with her performance in the arthouse film <em>The Apartment</em> in 1996, which earned her a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actress. However, her prominent breakthrough came with her role in Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which marked her entry into Hollywood and significantly raised her profile in the film industry.
Among her most impactful performances are those in the poignant films Malèna and the provocative Irreversible, both of which continue to spark discussions among film enthusiasts today. Her later roles in American blockbusters like Spectre showcased her elegance and charm, as she made history by becoming one of the most sophisticated Bond girls on screen. To celebrate her remarkable career, we explore the top Monica Bellucci movies to date.
20
‘Memory’ (2022)
Featured as Davana Sealman
This thrilling action film features Liam Neeson as a skilled assassin who is facing the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. As he battles his deteriorating memory, he realizes he has become the target of a powerful criminal organization and must rely on his fading skills to survive while navigating through a web of danger.
While Neeson takes the spotlight in this engaging Martin Campbell film, Bellucci adds a layer of sophistication to her role as Davana Sealman, a pivotal character entangled in the moral complexities faced by Neeson’s hitman. Although Memory may follow a somewhat predictable formula and lacks groundbreaking originality, it still offers enjoyable popcorn entertainment, particularly for action thriller aficionados who appreciate character-driven narratives.
Memory
- Release Date
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April 29, 2022
- Runtime
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114 Minutes
19
‘Under Suspicion’ (2000)
Featured as Chantal Hearst
While Under Suspicion may not be Monica Bellucci’s most acclaimed feature, it offers a captivating glimpse into her role in this engaging psychological thriller alongside two acting legends: Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman. Directed by Stephen Hopkins, the film centers around a wealthy attorney in San Juan who visits the police station for what he believes will be a brief follow-up inquiry, only to find himself embroiled in a tense and unexpected night of questioning regarding the gruesome discovery of a 12-year-old girl’s body.
For fans of slow-burn, dialogue-driven thrillers that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, Under Suspicion is worth a watch. Although Bellucci’s character, Chantal, the significantly younger wife of tax attorney Henry Hearst, has limited screen time, she delivers a captivating performance that showcases her powerful screen presence. Her character’s strained relationship with her husband adds layers of tension to Hopkins’ film. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon release, many viewers praised the performances, particularly Bellucci’s.
Under Suspicion
- Release Date
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August 24, 2000
- Runtime
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110 minutes
18
‘Dobermann’ (1997)
Featured as Nat the Gypsy
