The Quick Rap: Three Questions for … Javier Bardem!
Iberic hearththrob and highly acclaimed actor, Javier Bardem, has had no issues in single-handedly turning the world’s focus on to another generation of breakout, Almodovarian stars from Spain. Last seen at the 2000 NYFF with Julian Schnabel’s Before Night Falls, Bardem returns with a vengeance!
Now, collaborating with the inimitable Coen Brothers in the 1980-set No Country for Old Men, the chameleonlike Bardem plays Anton Chigurth, a humorless, coin-flipping assassin with a penchant for mad weaponry a very distinct look who is on a bloody mission to reclaim a serious stash.
Hollywood.com: Can you share your initial excitement when signing on with the Cohen brothers?
Javier Bardem: I was really amazed by the fact that I could work with them. I am from Spain. You know what’s the country where the most people in the world see Coen Brothers movies? Spain. That’s a fact, it’s true! For me it was like a dream to be a part of that.
HW: What was it like to see yourself dressed as that character for the first time?
JB: [Smiles] That was baaaad. I got depressed because I have to live with that [look]–it was not a wig it was my own haircut. But, you know that someday it [the shoot] will end and you will have the chance to cut it. That’s what I thought about for these three months–that one day it will wrap and I’ll be able to cut it!
HW: Can you talk about the Texan land and how it’s featured in the film?
JB: The land is a character and explains a lot about the behavior of these characters. Specifically with my character who really doesn’t say much because he doesn’t belong to anywhere, and he comes out of nowhere–and ends up going back to nowhere. That’s what’s threatening about him, because you can’t say where he comes from.
[IMG:R]Bonus Question:
HW: How does it feel to return to the New York Film Festival?
JB: Great, great. Like a dream!
Javier Bardem’s No Country For Old Men opens in limited release November 9th
