Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem on Speaking Out on Politics at Venice
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem openly support Palestine and believe it is important for actors to speak about political issues, especially when starring in films like “Bunker” that address timely global concerns.
- At the Venice Film Festival press conference, Cruz emphasized the contradiction of avoiding political discussions while promoting a film that explores societal fears and future challenges, while Bardem highlighted the responsibility public figures have to share their truths.
- “Bunker,” directed by Florian Zeller, stars the couple as a long-married pair whose relationship unravels when Bardem’s character builds a survivalist bunker, exploring themes of isolation, fear, and prejudice.
- Zeller drew inspiration from Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut,” aiming to blur the lines between fiction and reality by casting the real-life couple in roles they had not previously played together—long-wed spouses.
- Bardem and Cruz, who have worked together sporadically over 30 years, maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives, acknowledging occasional disagreements but emphasizing their shared passion for acting.
