Eduardo Ponti: 'My Mother, Sophia Loren, Saw Male Approval as a Game'

Eduardo Ponti, son of Sophia Loren, discusses his mother's personality and career as she turns 90. He recalls his childhood, where Loren was a loving mother who enjoyed Scrabble and cooking, and her professional career, where she playfully approached male approval.

Ponti emphasizes that his mother never defined herself by her external appearance, but by her talent and hard work. He also mentions her unwavering relationship with Carlo Ponti, who discovered her and guided her career.

Sophia Loren faced hardships in her childhood, growing up in poverty. According to her son, these experiences shaped her character and helped her become a great actress. Despite the challenges, Loren always remained humble and dedicated to her art.

He also mentions the film 'The Life Ahead,' in which Loren plays an elderly woman with dementia, and her decision to appear on screen without makeup. This film concludes the retrospective exhibition on Sophia Loren at the British Film Institute.

The exhibition, titled Sophia Loren: Hollywood Style, Neapolitan Spirit, is presented at BFI Southbank, London, August 1-31.