BLADES AND CARESSES our conversation with CARLOTTA GAMBA

Q: Who would you have liked to be in another era?

A: Without going too far back, I would have loved to live in the body and mind of Monica Vitti, to grow up in Italy during those years and experience the golden age of cinema—films like L’Avventura, Il Deserto Rosso, and one of my absolute favorites, La Ragazza con la Pistola. A true diva who always stayed true to herself and her passion: acting. She’s the first person who comes to mind, but there are so many others I could mention, like Eleonora Duse. I would have loved to discover modern theater alongside her, to witness its birth and collaborate with incredible writers and playwrights.

In the end, this question is very similar to what I do in my work—films, in my opinion, are like time-travel journeys that allow us to discover people.

Q: Which film would you have liked to act in?

A: There are so many films I’ve dreamed of acting in, but my first love was A Woman Under the Influence by Cassavetes. Gena Rowlands’ role helped me understand the true meaning of this profession. Of course, only she could have played that part, but I must admit, I would have loved to be on that set, even just to watch.

I love Nina Simone’s songs—if I had to choose one, it would definitely be one of hers. I find that they express sadness and fragility without ever seeking pity. I admire how she always put the song and its lyrics above herself.

If I had to pick a book, I would choose Senza polvere senza peso by Mariangela Gualtieri, a collection of poems about the feeling of non-existence and estrangement from life. I have often found myself reflected in her words. I don’t have her ability to express these feelings, but I think that’s part of the reason I became an actress.

Q: How do you feel about today’s society? What would you ask of the world, and what would you do if you were the most powerful person in it?

A: The most obvious answer I can give is peace—in all its forms. But sometimes, obvious things are not useless. I believe in peace. My grandmothers were born during wartime, and today, I live in a time of war—against individuals, against nature, against entire nations, against humanity itself.

My profession teaches me the value of sharing and empathy—two qualities that, in my opinion, are invaluable and could save us from war.

Q: The best compliment you’ve ever received.

A: The best compliment I’ve ever received came from my partner, Fabio (D’Innocenzo). When describing me, he said that I have a joy for life, and I think that’s such a beautiful compliment to give and to receive.

Q: The most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in bed.

A: I have to admit, I’m quite traditional, so I don’t have many stories to tell. I also see it as something very intimate and romantic—I like to think of it that way. I’m very romantic.

Q: If you could transform into another life form, what would you be?

A: It’s really hard to choose, but I think I’d like to be a robin. I’d love to be able to fly, build a small nest inside a tree, and live in the countryside, in silence, far away from the city.

Q: Your most beautiful dream and a recurring nightmare.

A: My most beautiful dream was definitely when I dreamt of the moon inside the sea. I was with my mother and father, and from the beach, we saw the moon reflected in the water. Without a doubt, it was one of the most beautiful dreams I’ve ever had.

My most recurring nightmare is war—it’s my greatest fear. I dream of having to separate from the people I love in order to save myself.

Q: How do you see yourself in 20 years?

A: I simply hope to be at peace, still surrounded by the people I love, and still able to do this job. Twenty years is a long time to picture myself—I really enjoy living in the present. I’ve never looked too far ahead, and I think that has helped me build my future and truly appreciate it when it becomes my present.

Q: What bad habit have you tried to quit, or can’t seem to give up?

A: I have to admit, I don’t have many bad habits—maybe none at all. The only one I can’t seem to break is biting the skin around my nails. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, but when I’m stressed, I torture my hands. By now, it’s so ingrained in me that I do it all the time. I started as a child, and I still haven’t been able to stop. But every time, I promise myself I will. Hopefully, in twenty years, I won’t have this habit anymore.

Q: What’s your safe space when you need one?

A: Manhattan by Woody Allen is my safe space. This film gives me an immense sense of serenity, tranquility, and beauty, so much so that I can call it my refuge. When I want to go to sleep feeling at peace, I watch this movie.

Q: How do you react when you’re in an embarrassing situation?

A: I don’t react—I just turn red and probably stay silent. I freeze up and shut down, hoping to disappear. I’m very shy in real life, and both my own embarrassment and other people’s have always made me uncomfortable. I dream of a world without embarrassment.

Q: What would you like to free yourself from, or what have you already let go of?

A: Probably social media. I think it’s distancing us from real connections, from true encounters and honest conversations. I know it’s hard to imagine life without it now, especially since so much of my work relies on social media for promotion. But deep down, I’d love to free myself from it, even if just personally.

Q: How are you behind the wheel?

A: Even though I’m 27, I don’t have a driver’s license. And now, I have to admit, it’s almost become a point of pride for me. I’ve always ridden a bike since I was little, but I’ve never driven a car—so I’d say, yes, I’d probably be a disaster behind the wheel.

Q: What’s something you haven’t been able to do yet but really wish you could?

A: I still consider myself young, so I like to think I have plenty of time to do many things! But if I had to dream of something I know I’ll never be able to do, it would be singing. I’m fascinated by the world of music—writing songs, playing instruments. I think music is the freest form of art because when you listen to it, you can imagine anything you feel.

Q: Is there such a thing as a right to fragility?

A: There is a right to be yourself. There is a right to exist exactly as you are.