Some actors just have it. Javier Bardem is one of them.
A few weeks ago, Kris posted that engaging Penelope Cruz interview with Lynn Hirschberg of the New York Times. Now, in a neat bit of symmetry, Bardem is next in the series — and he is as articulate and perceptive an interviewee as he is a performer.
I particularly like his description (borrowed from Victoria Abril) of the acting process as being akin to that of a lawyer, defending their characters through their portrayals — even when they’re as despicable as Anton Chigurh. Further on, it’s nice to hear someone who appears genuinely honoured and humbled by his whole Oscar experience.
And just in case he wasn’t cool enough… the first film he saw was “All That Jazz.”