Celebrity Interview - Maribel Verdu
Shy star with a sensual aura
Maribel Verdu Shy star with a sensual aura
INTERVIEW & PHOTOS AMPARO DE LA GAMATRANSLATION PAMELA SAUCA HUNT
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA CHOSE HER FOR HIS NEW FILM TETRO (DUE FOR RELEASE THIS AUTUMN) – AND MARIBEL VERDU IS STILL COMING TO TERMS WITH THE CELEBRATED DIRECTOR’S UNEXPECTED CALL
Maribel Verdu arrives in Marbella after finishing filming Tetro in Buenos Aires, and strolls through Puerto Banús – like any other tourist – arm in arm with husband Pedro Larrañaga. This is just the sort of person she is: shy, honest and sincere. And that is probably why she captured Coppola’s heart, with a look straight out of a black and white film – her eyes steeped in nostalgia. Critics say this has been your best year…”You never know. During my career I’ve had wonderful moments and low moments too. Now everything is about Maribel, but who knows… I just take it as it comes; I know what this profession is like.”How did you feel when Coppola chose you for Tetro?“When I heard the news I was stunned. You take tranquilisers for the next few months, and I’m not joking, because this is what happened. I was really scared; I’m a wimp. The first thing I thought was, ‘I can’t, I won’t be able to’.”What is your character like?“Passionate, wonderful. It’s difficult, very complicated, because all the time she’s interceding between the two brothers and she has a difficult life. This character was the biggest challenge in my career.”What was so intimidating?“Well, although the character is Hispanic, it’s the first time I’ve filmed in English as one of the leading characters. I think its crazy they chose me.”And why do you think they chose you?“I don’t know why. When at the Oscar’s Coppola came up to congratulate me for Pan’s Labyrinth he said nothing about the film. It was offered later; he sent the script by email.”How is Coppola in person?Amazing, approachable, normal – in the best sense, because he is full of talent, knowledgeable, and intelligent. He makes you feel like a queen, or even more than that. And that’s brilliant; it gives you a lot of confidence.Pedro Almodóvar still hasn’t called you…If Pedro called me, I would be delighted to work with him. Although I haven’t done badly without it, have I?Hollywood also hasn’t taken an interest in you?“The things I’ve been offered are typical American films, which – as a spectator – I wouldn’t go to see anyway. So I’ve got to be in tune with my principles. I used to say, ‘Well, if one day Coppola, the Cohen brothers or Woody Allen calls me…’ and suddenly it happens. And all without me moving a finger, while I was relaxing at home.”With that kind of philosophy, one could say you like to savour the unexpected, that you have a more exquisite palate…“Of course. At the end of it all you think that what’s most important is the only calling card you have: your work, your films.”Will you make more films in Los Angeles?“If I’m offered something good, I will. But it will be with great directors or with projects that interest me. We actors are no one without a good director behind us. We tend to exaggerate when interpreting.”If you didn’t live in Spain, what part of the world would you choose?“Buenos Aires, which is a city I love, where I feel at home although I’m 12,000 kilometres from my own people.”Do you wake up in the morning saying, “Today I want to achieve…”?
“Never. I never have ambitions or any dreams to fulfill. That’s why I get so enthusiastic about everything; that’s why life surprises me so. I never expect anything.”You’ve always been labelled as something of a sexy nymph. Has this disappeared in your recent films?“I still like people saying I’m a sexy nymph. You make films showing your ‘things’. I do like to look after myself. I’ve always liked to be somebody about whom people can dream a little.”Some actresses are complaining about the lack of interesting roles for women of a certain age, that they all are being written for young women…“The roles I’ve been offered lately are the best in my career. As years go by, I’m offered more compelling roles.”Do you have the feeling you’ve spent your whole life in the cinema industry?
“I love being in the industry for so long, 23 years! Everything has been great, because it’s all been very educational. I was watching Glenn Close in a sitcom and her character said she’d been 20 years working for the police force and I thought, ‘Bloody hell, I’ve been working longer as an actress, and I’m only 37.Do you fear the bad side of fame?“I really can’t complain. If I did it would be disgraceful. I’m very happy with what I’ve got.”If someone told you 10 years ago all this would happen, would you have believed it?“No, I never look to the future. I don’t expect anything; that’s why I always surprise myself, as I said before.
