Earlier today, Emma Thompson delivered a captivating anecdote at the Locarno Film Festival, where she was honored as a special guest this year. During a packed Q&A session, an audience member inquired about her experience on the set of the 1998 film Primary Colors.
Thompson recounted a particular day when she received an unexpected phone call in her trailer. It was none other than Donald Trump, introducing himself in a way that left her initially skeptical.
“He went, ‘Hello, this is Donald Trump?’ I thought it was some kind of prank and responded, ‘How may I assist you?’ assuming that he might just need help with directions,” she chuckled.
Continuing with her story, she shared that Trump invited her to spend time at one of his luxurious properties while suggesting they could have dinner together. “That’s quite flattering, I think. I told him I’d think about it,” she noted, with a playful tone.
Thompson didn’t shy away from mimicking Trump’s unique voice while expressing her bafflement over how he got her trailer’s number. It finally dawned on her why he might have chosen that moment to reach out.
“On the same day, I’d just gotten my divorce papers. I have a strong feeling he has people tracking down likely candidates for dates, and guess what? He found my number! That’s a bit creepy, isn’t it?” Thompson remarked.
In a whimsical twist, she mused, “Imagine if I had gone out with him! That would’ve given me a crazy story to tell, maybe even altering the course of American history!”
Aside from that memorable moment, Thompson also discussed her feelings about various roles in film, particularly her part in Richard Curtis’ beloved Love Actually. Despite its popularity, she claims she never fully understood why the film resonated so deeply with audiences.
“It astonishes me that it remains popular. Not that I dislike it—I genuinely enjoy it, but it’s quite quirky,” she expressed. During the famous scene where her character discovers her partner’s infidelity, Thompson believes the emotional depth struck a chord, especially with women who often hide their feelings of heartbreak.
“What really moves the audience isn’t her tears but the effort to compose herself after the heartbreak, tidying up, and maintaining a cheerful facade,” Thompson explained.
When the conversation shifted to her time in the Harry Potter franchise, Thompson’s response was less introspective. “Honestly, it doesn’t fit into my creative passions. Sorry to those who adore Harry Potter, but I showed up with some props—glasses and hair—and then left quite pleased with my pay!” she quipped, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
Just last night, Thompson received the Leopard Club Award for her remarkable career contributions at the festival, which continues until August 16.
