Lina Wertmuller: more than 25 years after her movie redefined the war between the sexes, the fall sweeps a Madonna-led remake to our shores. Do we smell a sequel in the air?

With Guy Ritchie's remake of her 1974 film Swept Away in theaters, we spoke to director Lina Wertmuller about this new version, its director and one of its principals.

PATRICK GILES: After Swept Away opened in America, relations between men and women onscreen were never the same. Were you aware that your film was so ahead of its time?

LINA WERTMULLER: Yes. Artists always have great intuitions. They're artists!

PG: [laughs] Are you surprised that over 25 years later, your film is being remade?

LW: Very surprised. I also have intentions of making a follow-up to the movie, with the same actors.

PG: I can't wait! Do you wonder if the times have caught up with the film's message; will it still shock?

LW: I don't know. But it will be interesting to see how he [director Guy Ritchie] will interpret it.

PG: Have you had any input on his film?

LW: No. I am going to see it like everyone else.

PG: What do you think of Madonna playing Mariangela Melato's role in this version?

LW: I esteem Madonna very much. Madonna was born simple--without beauty, without a great voice--but she has managed to make herself a total icon. Maybe the biggest of our time.

Patrick Giles is Interview's Associate Editor.

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