Culture Street

By Helena Whitfield

We all know that half the charm of a good James Bond film is the girl. So, here is a run down on what to expect from the female leads in Spectre.

Sam Mendes said, “In SPECTRE, the two women who Bond hooks up with, both have great mystery, they both have depths and for that you need fantastic actresses.”

Lea Seydoux

The stunning French actress Lea Seydoux was born in Paris where she discovered her talent and passion for acting. She has been acting since she was very young, gaining roles in many French films such as Mes Copines and 13 French Street. Since then she has appeared in a number of successful films, most notably Inglorious Basterds, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Midnight in Paris and Saint Laurent.
In 2009 she received critical acclaim when she played the role of Emma in Blue is the Warmest Colour. She received a Palme d’Or, the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival.

Regarding her character in Spectre, Léa Seydoux said, “She’s a doctor, she’s intelligent and very sensitive…”

Monica Bellucci

Italian born Monica Bellucci got her start as a model, working part time while she studied at the University of Perugia. She then realised her potential as a model and moved to Milan to focus on her career. She eventually decided to move to the film industry and in 1992 gain the role of Dracula’s Bride in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. She rose to public attention in 1996 where she was cast in The Apartment for which she was awarded a César award.
Interestingly she auditioned previously to be a Bond girl in the 1997 James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies but she lost the role to Teri Hatcher. At 50, Monica is the oldest women to ever to play a Bond girl.

About her character, Monica Bellucci gives little away, “She’s an Italian widow with secrets.”

Take a look at these two women as they chat about their roles in this latest Spectre clip.