<\/p>\n
Italian actress Monica Bellucci<\/b><\/a>, known for roles in Bram Stoker\u2019s Dracula<\/i>, The Matrix Reloaded<\/i>, The Matrix Revolutions<\/i>, The Passion of the Christ<\/i>, and Shoot \u2018Em Up<\/i>, says she has had to work hard to break free from the image that defines her<\/b> as simply a beautiful woman <\/b>or a femme fatale. \u201cEveryone thinks I\u2019m stupid,<\/b>\u201d she told The Talk<\/i>.<\/p>\n Bellucci\u2019s popularity has only grown in recent years<\/b>, as many of her past films have been reassessed as cinematic milestones. Roles in Mal\u00e8na<\/i> and Irr\u00e9versible<\/i> have been praised for highlighting complex female characters<\/b>. Yet, her filmography<\/a> is full of extreme roles,<\/b> which Bellucci attributes to her modeling background <\/b>and the way people initially dismissed her because of her looks.<\/b><\/p>\nChallenging typecasting in film<\/h3>\n