Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson recently offered a candid revelation. She shared details of a surprising phone call from Donald Trump. This occurred during her filming of Mike Nichols’ political satire, “Primary Colors.” This unexpected invitation, coming on the day her divorce was finalized, prompted Thompson to quip about how she “could have changed the course of American history!” Her insights were shared during a masterclass at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival, where she received the Leopard Club Award. This article delves into that intriguing encounter and Thompson’s broader career reflections.
The Unexpected Call from Donald Trump
The revelation unfolded dramatically. Thompson recalled a ringing phone in her trailer. It was during the production of the 1998 film “Primary Colors.” Upon answering, a voice introduced himself: “Hi, it’s Donald Trump here.” Thompson initially believed it was a prank. She even thought he might be calling for directions. “How can I help you?” she politely inquired.
Trump’s actual proposal was far more personal. He expressed a desire for her to “stay in one of my beautiful places.” He then suggested they “could have dinner.” The timing of this call struck Thompson as particularly odd. It happened on the very day her divorce from Kenneth Branagh was finalized. This coincidence led her to a humorous, yet pointed, conclusion. She speculated that Trump might have “people looking all over for suitable people he could take out.” Specifically, he might be looking for “all these nice divorcees.”
Thompson found the way he obtained her private contact concerning. “He found the number of my trailer! That’s stalking!” she stated, blending humor with a hint of genuine unease. Despite the unexpected nature of the call, Thompson opted for a polite refusal. She told Trump she would “get back to him.” She never did. Her lighthearted reflection on the missed date was profound. She suggested declining the invitation might have altered the trajectory of American history.
Beyond the Headlines: Thompson’s Distinctive Wit and Career Path
The anecdote about Donald Trump is just one example of Emma Thompson’s candidness. Her career began in comedy. This background fostered a unique comfort with political humor. She famously joked about Margaret Thatcher and herpes. She equated their shared difficulty in being removed.
Thompson’s early comedic sketches even influenced her dramatic path. A producer for “Sense and Sensibility” saw her satirical work. This included a sketch about Victorian sexual ignorance. The producer then believed she could adapt Jane Austen. This unexpected trajectory highlights Thompson’s versatility.
Surprisingly, Thompson did not initially aim for an acting career. She found the profession precarious. At one point, she considered a more stable job. She even thought about becoming a hospital administrator. Her reason was practical: the administrator had “nice shoes.” However, roles in critically acclaimed films followed. These included “Howards End” and “The Remains of the Day.” Her performance in the latter drew deeply from personal history. She was inspired by her grandmother’s “intergenerational trauma.” Her grandmother, at just 13, endured rape by her employer. She became pregnant and was forced into “surrogate motherhood.” This profoundly impacted Thompson’s portrayal of Miss Kenton. Her grandmother was “never really happy and fulfilled.”
Navigating Hollywood and Personal Truths
Thompson’s work often mirrors real-world complexities. Filming “Primary Colors” coincided with the Monica Lewinsky scandal. This created a surreal experience. They were making a political satire while actual political turmoil unfolded. She humorously expressed a preference for a “nice sex scandal” over current global challenges.
Comparing her film projects, Thompson offered frank assessments. Her “Harry Potter” appearances were less creatively demanding. She described them as simply “coming in, doing the bit with glasses and hair, and leaving.” In contrast, “Nanny McPhee” proved far more satisfying. Thompson also wrote this film. She intended it for “everybody,” not just children. The film explored themes of grief. This was deeply personal for her, having lost her father young. She views Nanny McPhee as a comforting figure. The character connects her to all generations.
The enduring popularity of “Love Actually” also surprised Thompson. She remembered Hugh Grant questioning if it was their “most psychotic thing ever made.” She found it astonishing when people wept upon encountering her in public. Thompson believes the film resonated deeply by showing women concealing heartbreak. Her character’s quiet resilience, hiding pain, made her profoundly relatable to audiences.
Modern Roles, Profound Impact, and Self-Acceptance
Emma Thompson’s recent roles continue to push boundaries. She explores complex human experiences. In Brian Kirk’s “Dead of Winter,” she cherished playing an “old and grieving” yet “heroic” character. This type of role felt underrepresented. It mirrored the strong women she knows in real life.
Furthermore, her performance in “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” sparked significant conversations. She played a woman seeking to experience orgasm for the first time late in life. This journey unfolded with the help of a sex worker. Thompson appreciated the character’s fear and confusion. The character had “done all the right things” in life but felt depressed. The film prompted “incredible” discussions. Younger women shared similar unfulfilled experiences. Older gay men found help with body image. Thompson emphasized the character’s ultimate achievement of orgasm on her own terms.
She also discussed a notable nude scene in “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande.” Thompson approached it with a desire for “neutral acceptance” of her body. She drew inspiration from classical art. She looked at images of Adam and Eve. They stood in relaxed poses, unburdened by self-consciousness. Achieving such self-acceptance, she noted, was truly difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
What significant revelation did Emma Thompson make about Donald Trump?
Emma Thompson revealed that Donald Trump once asked her out on a date. This occurred while she was filming “Primary Colors.” Trump called her trailer, initially prompting Thompson to believe it was a joke or a request for directions. Instead, he invited her to stay at one of his properties and have dinner. Thompson noted the peculiar timing, as the call coincided with the finalization of her divorce. She playfully labeled his method of obtaining her private trailer number as “stalking” and humorously mused that accepting the date could have “changed the course of American history.”
Where did Emma Thompson share these insights into her career and personal life?
Emma Thompson shared these candid revelations and career insights at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. She spoke during a masterclass session, which was part of the events celebrating her being honored with the prestigious Leopard Club Award at the festival. Her comprehensive discussion covered a wide array of topics, from her early comedic origins to her acclaimed film roles and personal inspirations behind her performances.
How have Emma Thompson’s personal experiences influenced her acclaimed acting roles and comedic work?
Emma Thompson’s personal experiences deeply inform her artistic endeavors. Her grandmother’s “intergenerational trauma,” including forced surrogate motherhood, directly inspired Thompson’s portrayal of Miss Kenton in “The Remains of the Day.” Similarly, her own experience with grief after losing her father influenced the themes she explored in “Nanny McPhee,” a film she also wrote. Her observations on the hidden heartbreak women often endure shaped her iconic performance in “Love Actually.” Furthermore, her comfort with political humor stems from her early stand-up comedy background, allowing her to tackle sensitive subjects with wit and insight.
Emma Thompson: A Voice of Candor and Depth
Emma Thompson’s recent Locarno Film Festival appearance solidified her status. She remains one of Hollywood’s most thoughtful and authentic voices. Her blend of sharp humor, profound personal insights, and unwavering candor resonates deeply. From lighthearted anecdotes about past presidential invitations to powerful reflections on trauma and self-acceptance, Thompson consistently delivers. She creates art that entertains, challenges, and connects with audiences across generations. Her ongoing contributions enrich the world of film. They also remind us of the power of genuine human storytelling.
References
- variety.com
- www.syracuse.com
- nz.news.yahoo.com
- www.sheknows.com
- <a href="https://m.imdb.com/fr/news/ni65420036/?ref=nwcart_perm”>m.imdb.com
