Thompson defends film after critics boo

Actress Emma Thompson defended her latest film today after it was booed by critics at the Venice Film Festival.

In Imaging Argentina, Oscar-winning Thompson is kidnapped by the military and her husband (played by Antonio Banderas) gains supernatural powers to “see” what is happening to her and other victims.

The magical and melodramatic elements, set during Argentina’ military dictatorship, seemed to have troubled many in the audience.

The booing and walk-outs at the press preview was one of the worst receptions yet at this year’s festival.

But Thompson said the film had also won positive reactions.

“I think there was always going to be a great deal of different kinds of responses,” she said.

“When you’re dealing with a subject that is so tricky, such as state-sponsored torture, and mixing it with magical realism, you’re stepping a fine line.”

Banderas had left Venice before its showing.

Director Christopher Hampton said that above all the aim of the film was to educate people about this appalling period in Argentina.

“Whatever people think about the film, people need to talk about this issue,” he said.

“This is a wound, and if you deal with an open wound, people are going to react in a very tender fashion, so it’s not surprising.