Emma Thompson recently captivated audiences at the Locarno Film Festival, where she discussed her illustrious career and shared humorous anecdotes from her time in the entertainment industry. The festival, renowned for its stunning setting in the picturesque town of Locarno, Switzerland, saw Thompson take the stage after receiving the prestigious Leopard Club Award on Friday evening, alongside other notable stars like Faye Dunaway, Mia Farrow, and Hilary Swank.
The award ceremony was a hot ticket, drawing a massive crowd to the Piazza Grande, which reached full capacity, leading security to turn away latecomers. On Saturday, Thompson's talk was equally well-attended, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the celebrated actress. Reflecting on her time working on the film Primary Colors, Thompson recounted how the Monica Lewinsky scandal unfolded during the movie's production, explaining, “The thing that we’re making a film about is happening in real life. So that was very, very strange.”
During her talk, Thompson humorously remarked on the state of U.S. politics, saying, “It feels like a long time ago now, doesn’t it? Oh, if only we could just have a nice sex scandal and not all this stuff.” The audience erupted in laughter at her veiled reference to Donald Trump. She went on to share a surreal experience from the set, recalling a phone call she received from Trump himself. “I was in my trailer one day while we were making that movie, and the phone rang. It was Donald Trump,” she said, initially thinking it was a prank.
Thompson recounted Trump's invitation, “I’d love you to come and stay at one of my beautiful places. Maybe we could have dinner.” She quipped about the timing of the call, as it coincided with the finalization of her divorce. “I thought I bet he’s got people looking for suitable people he could take out on his arm, a nice divorcee. That’s what he was looking for, and he found the number in my trailer. I mean, that’s stalking!” she humorously concluded.
Thompson also reminisced about her early days in stand-up comedy, sharing a memorable joke: “I used to say that herpes and Margaret Thatcher were both very difficult to get rid of.” She discussed her transition from comedy to screenwriting, recalling how a sketch about sexual ignorance caught the eye of a producer who later invited her to adapt Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. “It’s about sexual ignorance, but it’s funny,” she noted, reflecting on how her comedic background influenced her writing.
During the festival, Thompson also premiered her latest film, an action-thriller titled Dead of Winter, directed by Brian Kirk. In this film, she portrays a widowed fisherwoman who becomes the only hope for a kidnapped teenage girl in the snowy wilderness of northern Minnesota. “Hours from the nearest town and with no phone service, she realizes that she is the young girl’s only hope,” reads the film's synopsis. The film also stars notable actors such as Judy Greer and Marc Menchaca, and Thompson serves as an executive producer.
Thompson's presence at the Locarno Film Festival was not only a celebration of her achievements but also a testament to her enduring influence in the film industry. As the festival continues through August 16, Thompson's contributions to cinema highlight her remarkable ability to balance humor with poignant social commentary.
