Interview taken from ROLE/PLAY, a special INDIE edition created in partnership with Chanel, exploring the transformative power of fashion in film.
Born to an Italian actor and a Danish costume designer, and named after a nymph of flawless beauty, Galatea Bellugi might seem destined for life in the spotlight. But despite growing up around Ariane Mnouchkine’s avant-garde Théâtre du Soleil, Bellugi discovered her passion for acting not on stage—but through the films of John Cassavetes and the captivating performances of Gena Rowlands.
Despite a precocious debut at the age of seven in Pale Eyes (Les Yeux Clairs), Bellugi’s breakout role came with 2014’s teen movie Being Fourteen (À 14 ans), in which she navigates the complexities of adolescence with raw honesty. Two years later, she took on the poignant role of a pregnant teenager in Keeper, alongside Kacey Mottet Klein, showcasing impressive depth and emotional intelligence.
A dancer, musician, and student–both of cinema and international relations–Bellugi’s multifaceted background brings a unique perspective to her craft. In 2019, she embraced a bolder side in Golden Youth (Une jeunesse dorée), transforming into a rebellious party girl with a rock-and-roll spirit. For her latest film, she takes on the role of a 19th century musician in Margherita Vicario’s directorial debut, Gloria!, a feminist reimagining of classical music in Venice.
FIRST EVER ROLE…
It was in Le Dernier Caravansérail, a theatre piece directed by Ariane Mnouchkine. I was so afraid of the improvisation that was taking place that I had to stop the rehearsal and ask to leave.
DREAM SCENE PARTNER…
My sister Alba-Gaia Bellugi, she inspires me a lot.
GUILTY PLEASURE FILM…
I don’t feel so guilty about it. Chicken Run. 1 & 2.
THE CLASSIC FILM MOST DUE FOR A RE- MAKE...
I don’t like remakes because they’re set up for com- parison. But I’d love to see John Cassavetes’ A Woman Under the Influence remade from a woman’s perspective. I would love to see it directed by Justine Triet.
IF YOU COULD GET LOST IN ANY FICTIONAL WORLD, WHICH DIRECTOR WOULD YOU TRUST TO DESIGN IT?
Alice Rohrwacher, because I love the characters she portrays and the universes she creates.
WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS FOR BUILDING CHARACTER?
The process is based mainly on discussing with the director, watching specific movies they recommend. When it’s possible, I meet people that inspired the character. I went to a convent for L’Apparition [The Apparition] and spent days with nuns. The last movie I did, I played a teacher, so I spent a week in a class of six- year-old students, to study my character’s vocation.
HOW MUCH DOES COSTUME CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR TRANSFORMATION?
Seeing the costume gives you another vision of your character. Sometimes it has been very surprising and different from what I was imagining. You can tell a lot about people by what they wear, but you can tell even more by how they wear it: do they own it, do they care?
IS THERE A SPECIFIC CHARACTER YOU FOUND PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING TO “LET GO OF” AFTER FILMING?
No, not particularly. I don’t have that experience. I see it as two different and very distinct things, even if there’s a lot of me in the character.
HAVE YOU EVER DISAGREED WITH A DIRECTOR’S INTERPRETATION OF A CHARACTER?
Never with the director’s interpretation, but with how the character might react or what they say in a scene. It’s all about discussing and understanding how they arrive at that conclusion. Sometimes I have to find a reason in order to understand my character that is so far from myself, but it’s very interesting to do.
DIRECTORIAL VISION OR ACTOR’S INTERPRETATION?
A combination of the two.
PERIOD DRAMA OR SCI-FI FUTURE?
Sci-fi future, because I haven’t been part of one yet.
Photography DANIELLA MAIORANO
Styling RACHAEL RODGERS
Fashion CHANEL
Hair YUMIKO HIKAGE
Make-up MIKI MATSUNAGA
Production RACHEL BIGELOW
On-set Production JONAS FARRO
Set Design KÉNIA RAPHAËL
Styling Assistant JANNIS JELTO WITZEL
Hair Assistant KATRIN SACHENKO
Photo Assistant MATHEUS AGUDELO
Proofreading RAFAËL LEMMENS
