Estylo: Did working with the Coens exceed your expectations?
Bardem: I was so confident in their talent that I didn’t expect anything. It was one of those few times when you turn up at a movie set and you say, I really trust these guys, so what do you want me to do? It’s great to know that you’re in really talented people’s hands. I knew they were going to take very good care of me.
Estylo: Is it hard now, working with other directors?
Bardem: Of course not, but working with directors like Milos Forman or Woody Allen or the Coens—these people have done some masterpieces. They have something in common, which is they have a humble approach to the work and they have an understanding of what team work means. That allows you to bring in your own stuff to discuss with them, and they are really open to it. If they don’t agree with it, they will let you know in a very creative way. I’m one tool, and we need the whole machinery here. The problem is, if you work with another director, comes expectations.
Estylo: As a character actor, you can study people by taking the train, but as your fame grows outside of Spain, that’s not going to be possible anymore. How are you preparing for that?
Bardem: In Spain, I’m not as famous as you’re saying. Yes, I’m recognized, but….
Estylo: You’re a big sex symbol right?
Bardem: (Laughing) Look at me—with this face? Would I be a sex symbol if I were working behind a bar? No, it’s because you work in movies that people want to find something special, but if you work in the office you won’t be a sex symbol at all. [On the other hand], if Brad Pitt works in the office, he would be a sex symbol, no matter what. If he’s a plumber, he’ll be a sexy plumber! But I know what you mean. It’s true, that’s one of the things you’re losing, and that’s a pity. One of the things that I enjoy, and it’s important to bring to my job, is to people watch—to watch behaviors, watch people talking, watch reactions on the street, watch characters, and that’s impossible when they’re looking at you. The goldmine was the subway—you sit down and you see people in their own minds, struggling with themselves. Then you imagine what kind of a person they would be. That’s a great world of intimacy that I have, so I keep on taking the subway.
For the entire interview, get the April issue of Estylo magazine.
