The film script is inevitably different in a number of ways from the book, which tells of the burgeoning wartime love between the Greek girl Pelagia and Corelli, a captain in the Italian occupying forces who is far more interested in opera and the good things of life.
In the film Corelli meets his Greek rival for Pelagia's love, whereas they never do in the book, and, unlike the book, the film ensures that Corelli and Pelagia are reunited at the end while still young.
Madden is unapologetic. "In a film you go a different route," he said. "The ending in the book is interesting but it was not something that a film could satisfactorily deliver in practical terms.
"Penelope would be lying in layers of prosthetic make-up and it would blow you out of the movie." He was full of praise for all his actors, not least Penelope Cruz, "the woman that they all love and we all love".
Her co-star Nicolas Cage was equally complimentary. "She is a great lady," he declared. "You don't see the wheels spinning when she is acting. I wish I could do that." Miss Cruz had her explanation ready. "I love my character," she said. "I was in a plane coming from Los Angeles when I read the book and I was crying and thinking, I hope they ask me to do it."
Judging from the tears at last night's premiere, which was in aid of the British Red Cross, the audience were more than pleased that Miss Cruz's wish was granted.
