Penelope Cruz, a renowned Spanish actress who has made a significant mark in Hollywood, is celebrated for her versatile performances in both English and Spanish films spanning over thirty years.
Her exceptional talent was recognized with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Known for her successful collaborations with esteemed Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, Cruz has appeared in a string of remarkable films such as Live Flesh, All About My Mother, Volver, Broken Embraces, I'm So Excited!, Pain and Glory, and Parallel Mothers.
In addition to Vicky Cristina Barcelona, she also starred in another of Woody Allen's works, To Rome With Love.
Reflecting on her cinematic debut in the 1992 film Jamon Jamon directed by Bigas Luna, Cruz revealed a remarkable detail about her first-ever n^de scene at the tender age of 18.
Despite the daunting nature of the scene, what made it even more extraordinary was that her co-star in this intimate moment was none other than her future husband, Javier Bardem.
Recalling her experience, Cruz expressed her initial sense of the film's uniqueness, saying, “I had a feeling the movie was going to be special.
I knew the script was good.
I knew there was something very unique there.
Even if I had not seen many scripts before, it was so clear; it was so brave, so refreshing.
And yes, it was very s**y.”
She went on to share, “I thought, ‘There is a character there, there is a style, the material is really good.' Of course, I was not looking forward to those scenes, but I did it.
Everyone was really respectful, aware of the fact that I was 18.
I remember the last day of filming; I was crying, saying, ‘What if I never shoot a movie again?' The feeling was devastating.
‘Who knows when I will see these people again?' Including Javier.”
Jamon Jamon unfolds the story of Silvia, portrayed by Cruz, a young woman who finds herself pregnant by Jose Luis, a man set to inherit a prosperous manufacturing business.
The film delves into the complexities of their relationship, intertwining themes of tradition and modernity in Spain.
Sharing his perspective on the film and his connection with Cruz, Javier Bardem remarked, “There was obvious chemistry between us.
I mean, it's all there on film; it's like a document of our passion.
One day we're going to have to show the kids – imagine!
‘Mummy, Daddy, what did you do in the movies together?' Well, my children, you should celebrate this movie as you're here because of it.”
