Acclaimed actress Emma Thompson recently captivated audiences at the Locarno Film Festival. As a distinguished guest of honor, she shared candid insights into her celebrated career. Thompson also revealed a deeply personal and unsettling encounter involving Donald Trump. Her account of a phone call from Trump, received immediately after her divorce, has since garnered widespread attention. This surprising anecdote offers a unique glimpse into the intersections of celebrity, public life, and personal boundaries.
The Trump Encounter: A Shocking Revelation
During a packed career Q&A session at Locarno, Emma Thompson was discussing the 1998 Mike Nichols film Primary Colors. She starred in the political satire. Thompson recalled a memorable day on set. She was in her trailer when her phone rang unexpectedly.
“It was Donald Trump,” Thompson stated. She imitated his distinctive voice for the audience. “He introduced himself, saying, ‘Hello, this is Donald Trump?’” Thompson admitted her initial thought was that it was a prank. She playfully asked how she could assist him. Perhaps, she joked, he needed directions.
The conversation then took an even stranger turn. Trump extended a direct invitation. He suggested she “come and stay at one of [his] beautiful places.” He also proposed they might have dinner. Thompson responded politely. She thanked him and promised to get back to him.
Unpacking the “Stalking” Claim
Thompson initially felt confused. She wondered why the former Apprentice host would call her. She also questioned how he obtained her private trailer phone number. Yet, the answer soon became clear. She connected the dots quickly.
“On that very day, my divorce decree had come through,” Thompson explained. She speculated on Trump’s motive. “I bet he’s got people looking for suitable people he could take out on his arm,” she mused. Thompson believed Trump sought “a nice divorcee.” She concluded he had somehow found her number. This, she asserted, felt like “stalking.” Her statement highlighted a discomforting aspect of public life. She clearly felt a violation of her privacy.
A Humorous Take on History
Thompson’s revelation prompted strong reactions. Her candor captivated the audience. She concluded her anecdote with a humorous reflection. “I could have gone on a date with Donald Trump,” she quipped. “Then I would have a story to tell.” She even suggested she “could have changed the course of American history.” This lighthearted commentary underscored the surreal nature of the situation. It also showcased Thompson’s signature wit.
Thompson’s appearance at the Locarno Film Festival was a major draw. Crowds filled venues to capacity. Security even turned people away from the Piazza Grande. Her ability to blend personal anecdotes with sharp observations resonated deeply with attendees. The audience appreciated her direct and humorous delivery. This celebrated British actress consistently demonstrates her unique charm and intellectual depth.
Beyond the Call: Thompson’s Career Reflections
The discussion at Locarno spanned many aspects of Thompson’s illustrious career. She delved into the enduring popularity of Love Actually. She also shared her candid thoughts on her role in the Harry Potter series. Her insights offered valuable perspectives on her diverse filmography. They revealed the nuanced thinking behind her artistic choices.
The Enduring Charm of Love Actually
Thompson expressed persistent surprise regarding Love Actually‘s lasting appeal. She starred in the Richard Curtis romantic comedy. “It’s honestly a constant source of astonishment to me that that film lasted,” she confessed. She quickly clarified her affection for the movie. “Not that I don’t like the film,” she stated. “I like it very much, but it’s weird.”
She specifically discussed a poignant scene. Her character discovers her partner’s infidelity. Thompson believes this moment “touched a nerve.” It resonated because it depicted a universal experience. Heartbreak often compels individuals, especially women, to hide their pain. “We have to hide it because we don’t want people to see it,” Thompson explained. She highlighted the scene’s true emotional core. “What moves you is not her crying,” she observed. “It’s her covering it up afterwards and then tidying the bed and going downstairs and being cheerful.” This analysis speaks to her profound understanding of human emotion. It underlines her skill in portraying complex characters.
Harry Potter: A Pragmatic Perspective
When asked about her role as Professor Trelawney in the Harry Potter films, Thompson adopted a pragmatic stance. She downplayed its creative importance for her. “It’s not really an important part of my creative endeavors,” she stated candidly. She apologized for potentially sounding rude to fans. Yet, she quickly summarized her involvement. “I came in, did a bit with glasses and a lot of hair,” she explained. “Then left having been quite well paid.” This comment drew laughter from the Locarno audience. It reflected her grounded approach to her work. She balances artistic passion with professional realities.
Thompson’s career has consistently showcased her versatility. She has moved seamlessly between various genres and roles. Her honest reflections at Locarno provided a rare look into the mind of a truly gifted artist. They reinforced her status as a beloved figure in cinema.
A Life in Art: Diverse Projects & Awards
Emma Thompson’s appearance at Locarno culminated in a significant honor. She received the prestigious Leopard Club Award for career achievement. The festival organizers lauded her unique accomplishment. She is the only person in Academy Awards history to win for both acting and screenwriting. They praised her willingness to take risks. They also highlighted her enduring influence over four decades. Thompson expressed feeling “a little bit overwhelmed” during her acceptance speech. She charmed the audience further by speaking Italian.
From Sketch Comedy to Period Drama
Thompson also fondly recalled her early days in comedy and stand-up. She shared a long-standing, provocative joke she used to tell. “Herpes and Margaret Thatcher were both very difficult to get rid of,” she quipped. She then described an unexpected connection. A TV comedy sketch she wrote led to her adapting Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. The sketch featured a Victorian woman ignorant about her husband’s anatomy. The producer of Sense and Sensibility saw this sketch. They recognized her adaptability. Thompson found this a “very interesting sort of connection.” It linked a sketch about “somebody’s very unfortunate sex life” to a classic period drama. This story illustrates her unique journey and creative range.
New Horizons: Action Thrillers & Legal Dramas
Thompson continues to pursue diverse and compelling projects. Her new action-thriller film, Dead of Winter, premiered following her award reception. She also executive produced the film. In it, she portrays a widowed fisherwoman in snowbound northern Minnesota. This character becomes the sole hope for a kidnapped teenage girl. Thompson shared the physical challenges of filming. She pulled every muscle. Her biggest fear was going underwater. She also noted the film’s thematic depth. Most women she knows are “incredibly heroic” in a patriarchal society, she believes. The film explores this idea.
Looking ahead, Thompson is set to star in Hear Me Roar. This upcoming film depicts a landmark British legal case. It involves a transgender woman. Thompson plays the judge, Elizabeth Butler-Sloss. She described the story as “moving and powerful and funny.” Thompson praised the “great story and script with wonderful characters.” She was deeply moved. She called it “fascinating and profoundly meaningful and essential.” This project reflects her commitment to impactful storytelling and social relevance. Her continued work reaffirms her status as a powerful voice in contemporary cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Emma Thompson reveal about Donald Trump?
Emma Thompson shared an anecdote about receiving an unsolicited phone call from Donald Trump. This call happened while she was filming Primary Colors in 1998. Trump invited her to stay at one of his properties and have dinner. Thompson found the call unsettling. She believed Trump obtained her private trailer number. This occurred on the same day her divorce decree was finalized. She humorously suggested he was looking for “a nice divorcee.” Thompson ultimately labeled his action as “stalking,” highlighting the intrusive nature of the call.
Where did Emma Thompson make these recent revelations?
Emma Thompson shared these significant anecdotes at the Locarno Film Festival. She attended the prestigious event as a guest of honor. The festival also recognized her career achievements with the Leopard Club Award. Her career Q&A session drew immense public interest. Crowds filled venues, eager to hear her candid insights. The Locarno Film Festival provided a global platform for her to discuss her diverse career and personal experiences.
Why did Emma Thompson describe Trump’s call as “stalking”?
Emma Thompson described Donald Trump’s phone call as “stalking” because of its timing and perceived intent. The call came on the very day her divorce was finalized. Thompson speculated that Trump, or his associates, were actively seeking “suitable people,” specifically recently divorced women. The fact that he somehow acquired her private trailer phone number felt like a significant invasion of privacy. For Thompson, this unsolicited contact, coupled with its suspicious timing, crossed a line into what she considered intrusive and predatory behavior.
Conclusion
Emma Thompson’s appearance at the Locarno Film Festival offered a compelling blend of personal revelations and professional insights. Her candid account of the Donald Trump phone call highlighted the unique challenges and unsettling experiences that can accompany fame. Beyond this striking anecdote, Thompson provided thoughtful reflections on her most iconic roles, from the surprising longevity of Love Actually to her pragmatic view of Harry Potter. Her continued dedication to diverse and meaningful projects, coupled with her unwavering wit, firmly establishes her as one of cinema’s most authentic and influential voices. Her stories remind us of the real lives behind the public personas and the enduring power of genuine artistry.
