Valentina Cervi, the charming and versatile Italian actress, gives and exclusive interview and offers YOOX her gift ideas for the Holyday Season.
Valentina Cervi began her cinema career at the age of seventeen, with a role alongside Nicole Kidman in Jane Campion’s film “Portrait of a Lady”. The following year she played the leading part in the French movie “Artemisia”. Her Italian films include dramas like “La via degli angeli” and “Provincia Meccanica”, as well as comedies like “L’anima gemella”. Her most recent important collaboration was with the director Spike Lee for “Miracle at St. Anna”, the story of the devastating massacre at Sant’Anna di Stazzema in August of 1944. Cervi plays the girlfriend of Tonio Perrone, the Mafioso boss.
VALENTINA CERVI’S DREAM BOX
1. What is your idea of cinema?
For me, cinema is like a family, a place where suffering is eased and the best things about my personality are brought to life.
2. What was it like to work with Spike Lee, on his most recent film “Miracle at Sant’Anna”?
Amazing. He’s a very demanding director, and there were some difficult moments during the shooting, but in the end it was all worth it. I’ve always loved his way of telling stories from the female viewpoint and the women he depicts as characters interest me: whether they’re mothers, daughters, prostitutes, or soldiers—they’re always winners and never conform to stereotype.
3. What is fashion for you?
I believe style is something you’re born with. With regards to fashion, I guess I don’t really understand it yet. Sometimes I like to follow the trends and spoil myself, but I feel totally distant from what fashion is. I do believe that fashion expresses a creativity that I find admirable.
4. Is there something in your wardrobe to which you feel particularly tied?
A grey sweater with elbow patches that I stole from my friend Luca, which I’ll never give back.
5. What do you hope to give and receive for Christmas?
I’d like to give and receive joy.
