INDEX
New Orleans: Where Carnival Spirit and Unbridled Energy Collide
– The captivating essence of “Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon” resides in the intricate layers of character evolution. Specifically, Kate Hudson’s portrayal of Bonnie adds a nuanced dimension as she alternately supports and exploits Mona Lisa. Against the backdrop of a struggling single mother and stripper, what pivotal elements contributed to shaping her character in this narrative?
Amiripour: Stripper characters have appeared in various films, but I feel that in many cases, they have been portrayed as a wake-up call or as something to be ashamed of. They are not in control of their own lives and struggle to get by.
I have met many strippers in person, and to me they are smart working women. They know exactly what they are selling and are just doing business with them. That’s how I see strippers, so of course Bonnie has that aspect to her.
Amiripour: In the play, Bonnie is a character who goes through a lot of hardships, such as getting into fights and being beaten up, but she never asks for help or feels sorry for her situation, and she just keeps moving forward. In other words, Bonnie is her own hero. I respect her for that.
Of course, there are people in the audience who will have a different view of her, but for me, she is a woman who works hard for herself and her son. She’s always ready to grab something whenever she gets the chance, so I don’t think you should keep your wallet near her.
– The vibrant ambiance of New Orleans, where the narrative unfolds, is truly captivating. As the film’s setting, what specific elements of this city do you find especially enchanting?
Amiripour: One of the characters that came into being when I started conceiving this film was New Orleans. It’s a sort of a guesswork to New Orleans. I actually went to New Orleans to write the script, and before that I went there many times to visit when I was younger. I went to a lot of club parties. I think it is a unique place in the United States. It’s a mix of music, food, and fun, and there are even trees and swamps from prehistoric times. And the cost of living is not so high, so students and workers are playing around. It is a city with a diverse mix of people. There is a relaxed, easy-going energy.
For me, it’s a place with a carnival-like crazy energy. This film itself asks the question, “Who is crazy? Also, Mona Lisa is reborn from a beast to a human being in our world, and I thought that a city with energy like New Orleans would be a good place for her to be reborn.
