Is Penelope Cruzs character a mix of Sophia Loren and Anna Magnani in their heyday?
In creating a character, it is essential to think about their looks. Penlope’s character is a very modest cleaning lady. Right from the start, I thought of the Italian maggiorate from the 1950s because here the traditional image of a housewife is closer to ugliness than it is to beauty. I didn’t want Penelope to look ugly. Not all the girls who suffer at home have to be ugly or prostitutes. To emphasize the problems between Penelope and her daughter, I was inspired by Sophia Loren’s more working-class side, that of the former Neapolitan fishmonger. I also saw some photos of Claudia Cardinale from Girl With a Suitcase and I liked her hairstyle. Penelope looks amazing. Her make-up was inspired by late 50s/early 60s fashion. The reference to Anna Magnani is obvious as I included an excerpt of Bellisima in the film. To me, she is the picture of motherhood. Lastly, I would like to ask yourself a question and then answer it, as you did in the Bad Education pressbook. Well, I am going to answ
