Antonio Banderas and Pedro Almodóvar Reflect on Their Creative Journeys

NEW YORK — Antonio Banderas and Pedro Almodóvar, two titans of cinema, recently shared insights into their creative processes during separate interviews on the Bullseye podcast hosted by Jesse Thorn. Banderas discussed his roles and experiences in both Hollywood and Spanish films, while Almodóvar reflected on his filmmaking journey.

During his interview, which originally aired on February 28, Banderas, known for his roles in iconic films like ‘Zorro‘ and ‘Philadelphia‘, touched on his latest endeavor, ‘Paddington in Peru’, where he stars as a treasure hunter named Hunter. Banderas recounted both personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in his roles.

“When I did ‘Pain and Glory’ with Pedro, it was one of the most challenging performances of my career. I had to internalize the director’s pain and struggles, and that experience was pivotal for me,” Banderas said, referring to his collaboration with the acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar on the 2019 film about a filmmaker in crisis.

Banderas also addressed the cultural nuances between acting in Hollywood and Spanish films, admitting, “My experience in Hollywood did not translate well to my work in Spain. There’s a unique rhythm and depth in Spanish storytelling that I had to reconnect with.”

In a separate conversation with Thorn that aired on February 25, Almodóvar discussed his career, citing his films like ‘Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down’ and ‘Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown’ as substantial contributions to cinema. He expressed excitement about his first English-language film, ‘The Room Next Door‘, which marks a significant milestone after over fifty years of filmmaking.

“I have always tried to infuse my films with deep emotion and a sense of place. Moving into English-language filmmaking is a new chapter for me,” Almodóvar stated, highlighting the visual richness and emotional complexity that characterize his works.

Reflecting on past projects, Almodóvar referred to his film ‘Julieta‘, which explores the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships based on Alice Munro‘s stories. “Narrative depth is crucial, and every character struggles in ways that are both relatable and profound,” he told Thorn.

Both artists emphasized the role of their Spanish heritage in their work, illustrating how it shaped their narratives and character development. Banderas and Almodóvar continue to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and actors, navigating between cultural contexts and artistic expressions.