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“She is another member of the family.”he pointed out Salma during the red carpet premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
In that sense, Salma went deeper into her relationship with the actress, who is alsoproducer and director, and with whom she coincided in the Marvel film Eternals, goes far beyond the screen.
“When we are not working it is very nice to do things together as a family,” Salma shared at the premiere. Sometimes we go out with the children, other times alone. I always find the time I spend with her very inspiring. A friend once told me that life is more beautiful when you have a friend with whom you can laugh and cry at any time, because you always feel safe. “That’s how I feel about her.”
A challenge accepted
Tomando as inspiration the novel by Alessandro BariccOr, the film version reflects the deep trust and complicity thate Jolie and Hayek have cultivated over the years.
The story, which depends largely on the subtlety of gestures and reactions of its protagonist during an intense and difficult conversation, required an actress with great acting ability. Initially Salma hesitated to accept the role due to the complexity of the character; However, Jolie’s persuasion was key for her to agree to star in the fifth film directed by the filmmaker.
“She convinced me, before I knew it I was already on the set,” Salma confessed with a laugh after the screening of the film, in a conversation moderated by Cameron Bailey, artistic director of the TIFF, in which Angelina Jolie, Demian Bichir and the Mexican actress delved into their experiences and reflections on the project.
He filming of the film that also has participations of Mexican actors Andrés Delgado, Ariel Pérez Lima, Jorge Antonio Guerrero, Juan Carlos Huguenin and Patricio José, took place in Italy.
“Angelina’s direction was excellent,” Patricio told us in an interview. The truth is that a good director works on what he wants to see; not only with the actor, but with the lighting, the costumes, the hair, the makeup, with absolutely everything, and it seems to me that Angelina has one of the best directors I have ever worked with. Super punctual, every cut he came to me and corrected me. That is super important for the actor, that they give you feedback, it helps you add a little to the creation of the character, and I loved it because it also made me grow as an actor.”
“I loved filming in Romethat feels something very special, Like there are all the ghosts of the past and of great Italian cinema,” Salma shared.
The movie tIt would also allow Salma to reconnect with another friend.: Demián Bichir, with whom he had previously collaborated on In the Time of the Butterflies (2001) and Savages (2012).
The veteran actor highlighted how complex and rewarding it was to share the scene with Hayek and how transformative it was for him.
“When you embark on such heavy work, you need someone to support you and be there for you,” Bichir noted. I have known Salma for many years. This is our third film together and I knew she would be there for me. That I was going to jump off the cliff, but that she would be my safety net. “I don’t know a more generous partner than Salma in many ways, because Angelina and her moved many things so that I could be in this film.”
A personal and emotional journey
Bichir recalled the process with which he joined to the project, which included being very moved by the script, and writing a very personal letter to Angelina.
“I received an email from my agent Tracy Brennan, saying that Angelina would like me to read this story; From there it was a little crazy. It was an honor for me to read that and learn about this work by Alessandro, since I did his Novecento monologue. When I first approached the script that Angelina sent me, I couldn’t continue reading because I couldn’t stop crying. I had to stop and tell Tracy that we needed to do whatever it took to make the movie. Then I wrote a long letter to Angelina explaining my feelings about the story, the character, and everything else; I tried to explain to him what I felt, not only as a spectator but also as an actor, and the things we could do together. We had the opportunity to talk at length, that was another gift,” the actor recalled.
About redemption
Set in an arid and hostile desert landscape, The film begins with the journey of Nina, a girl who manages to escape from the murderers who kill her family. As she grows, her innocence fades, and those who were hunters in times of war become prey in times of peace.
The story reflects on violence, loss and resilience. Jolie, recognized Due to her commitment to humanitarian causes, she was attracted to this novel because it could emotionally address the invisible wounds left by the conflict.
However, What truly makes this film special is how friendship and the support between its protagonists influenced the development of the project and the creation of a cinematographic proposal with a very theatrical dynamic, since most of the time it focuses on the intimate and powerful conversation between the characters played by Salma and Damián.
And furthermore
The novel of Alessandro Baricco immerses us in a story about harm, longing, memory and forgiveness.
The adaptation film directed by Angelina Jolie It also adds other elements that will enrich the viewer’s experience.
