With a parentage consisting of legendary Italian horror movie director Dario Argento, and Italian stage and screen actress Daria Nicolodi, it's no wonder Asia Argento
has carved out a career via her evocative big-screen shenanigans.

As a major player in Italian and French cinema, the celluloid temptress has gained a fanatical following. Those in the know have thrilled to her fiery combination of looks and burning talent, which have led to such powerful movie experiences as Abel Ferrara's deranged New Rose Hotel (with Christopher Walken and Willem Dafoe) and, of course, father Dario's Trauma. With brains to match her beauty, Ms Argento's also been in the director's seat herself - writing, helming and starring in cathartic sense-shredder, Scarlet Diva.

Now, after years as queen of cult Eurochic, Hollywood has finally received a wake-up call to her charms.