A new film offers a rare glimpse into the private life of supermodel Kate Moss, focusing on her friendship with the late artist Lucian Freud. The semi-fictionalised movie, titled Moss & Freud, depicts the nine-month period in 2002 when Freud painted her portrait, a time that director James Lucas describes as a 'sea-change moment' in her life.
The film stars Ellie Bamber as Moss and Derek Jacobi as Freud. It shows the model posing naked for the renowned portraitist, with their unlikely bond leading Moss to reassess her life and career. The movie also touches on her struggles with burnout and includes scenes of her visiting an S&M club in Berlin, where she becomes distressed after being touched by strangers.
Moss, who rarely gives interviews and has a reputation for being enigmatic, approved the film and served as an executive producer. She helped choose Bamber for the role and spent time with the actor to ensure accuracy. Director Lucas first approached Moss with a letter, and she responded quickly, allowing the project to move forward.
The film also incorporates flashbacks to Moss's 30th birthday party, themed 'The Beautiful and the Damned', and evokes the creative and hedonistic atmosphere of early 2000s London. While it does not cover her entire life story, Moss & Freud provides an intimate snapshot of a pivotal year in the supermodel's life.
