Of course I wanted to interview Catherine Hardwicke—she’s a legend. Thirteen (2003) is one of the most daring films of the 2000s, and the big breakout role for Evan Rachel Wood. Hardwicke’s Lords of Dogtown (2005), about Venice Beach surf and skate culture in the 1970s, has a worldwide cult following, with Heath Ledger’s performance lauded as one of his best. She also directed teenage Kristen Stewart in Twilight (2008), which pulled in 400+ million in box office revenue, kicking off the Twilight Saga film series, which would later become a billion dollar enterprise. These are a few of her accomplishments. So when asked if I wanted to chat with Hardwicke about her new film Mafia Mamma, starring Toni Collette and Monica Bellucci, my response was an immediate and enthusiastic YES. 

The film has been panned by critics everywhere. The New York Times described it as “Trite, charmless and entirely without grace.” Ouch. But Hardwicke didn’t say yes to this project to win an award or make a masterpiece, nor does she have anything to prove.

“As we’ve been going through our last couple years with COVID and lockdown, I personally loved to watch comedies more than I used to. I don’t want to be bombarded with negative news,” the 67-year-old director tells me. “It seemed like a cool way to talk about some male gaze / female gaze empowerment issues, have a blast, and go to Italy.” 

Kristin Balbano Jordan (Toni Collette), is a forty-something mom whose son has left for college. She’s spent the last couple of decades looking after everyone but herself, and her marriage is a disaster. When an unexpected phone call from Bianca (Monica Bellucci) requests her presence in Italy, following the death of a grandfather she never met, she decides why not, and approaches the trip as an “Eat! Pray! Fuck!” adventure. What she doesn’t realize is that her late grandfather was a mob boss, and she’s the one who’s supposed to take over.

It is as silly as it sounds, or “the fun” that Hardwicke craved. The other draw for the veteran filmmaker was reuniting with Collette again, who she directed in 2015 tearjerker Miss You Already, alongside co-star Drew Barrymore. Hardwicke and I both agree that Collette is one of the most gifted actors out there. “She feels accessible… she’s funny and weird and warm,” she gushes. “You feel like you want to be her best friend. She’s open to stuff and will try things.” 

A common sentiment from critics is that even Collette, with her multitude of talents, can’t save this film. But perhaps it doesn’t need saving. Perhaps it serves its original purpose: an over-the-top ridiculous story that will inspire a few laughs and allow audiences to take a short pause from the onslaught of distressing news headlines while dazzling them with breathtaking views of southern Italy. I imagine it’s a combination that a lot of people want.

Throughout her career, Hardwicke has given the world lots of dense material to chew on. Mafia Mamma gave her an opportunity to eat a lot of pasta, tour some exquisite vineyards, and discover Italy with a cast and crew she loves. “It was magical, hilarious, and fun.”