i'm from the philippines and i just saw the film...i've never seen penelope in that kind of role. her dance number under the tune of "kung fu fighting" was amusing. its my favorite scene.
shareyeah! i've just seen it last night, hehe.
am from the phils too, baguio. where you from?
I just loved Penelope's character in general. She just always seemed so thoroughly annoyed at everything. The whole scene of her getting ready to go out for the night had me laughing. From her slow mo 'kung-fu' poses on the bed to her shimmying around her room getting dressed c'est très drôle!
shareI prefer the one where Victoria Abril sings "I'm Evil"´, she is so glamourus there!
Penélope's character can be the opposite of Victoria's one: no glamour, no femenine geastures... but you are all right, her character is very charming.
I think that Penélope has to do more films in her country, don't you think that she acts better in Spanish movies? In mi opinon it happens exactly the same with Antonio Banderas...
Somebody has any theory about this?
I think it's the language thing. They are both fluent and very talented, but they both have their Spanish upbringing, which makes me think that it is much easier for an actor to act in their original language because they don't have to give any thought to the language it's written in, but rather the delivery and meaning behind every line.
I really agree with doing movies in your original country (not to say only in your country) because it not only boosts whatever countries film industry but also gives a comfortable niche to fall back on if they do not thrive as an international star.
I don't know what I'm talking about. I just liked watching that dance.
I think that's probably true about the language thing. The first movies I saw PC in (All About My Mother & then Open Your Eyes) I thought she was really good. Then the string of American movies came & I began to like her less and less. However, when I go back & watch her Spanish movies I can see what makes her such a star. Antonio Banderas does seem to have moved into American movies with better results.
The dance was great as was her whole *macho* act.
When 'heaven' is a beautiful Paris backdrop and 'hell' is a gritty fast food cafeteria where the main players are speaking British english can real life be all that bad?
Abril as usual was great and what can one say about Cruz? That little voice chopping out english and strutting her stuff in an affected dancer's walk (which she was) with the swagger of machismo - all very funny!
But the dance bit, done to "Kung Fu Fighting" puts another Cruise's "Old Time Rock N' Roll" preppy dress shirt/underpants dance to shame.
Why oh why do American directors insist on making this talent slog through one "object of desire" role after another? This lady is fun! And she also happens to look stunning in a designer dress on a red carpet runway.
Directors and Central Casting - This a character actress; This is a funny, charismatic, versatile and beautiful character actress . Any questions?
I don't think ANY directors, American or otherwise, could insist on P.C slogging through anything she didn't want to do. As you said, she is a talented character actress, but acting IS A JOB, and if the gig pays well and doesn't get in the way of your career, you take it. As an actor, I often do jobs "beneath my talent" (I'm being facetious!), but if I can get $500 for 20 minutes' work as the "voice of doom" in some Internet game, I take it! Actually, it's fun! It ain't Shakespeare, but what the hay. It helps pay the bills, and maybe the kids will like it. Also, look at some of the tripe that Connery and Caine have done. Nobody thinks any less of them for it. They're true journeymen actors. I'm sure a good cabinet-maker derives as much satisfaction from constucting a simple chest as a grandiose armoire. And don't forget: Acting IS the world's second oldest profession. Cheers!
Hugh Corston
Quebec City, Canada
I love Penelope's kung-fu fighting dancing scene. I think it's just a great part of the movie (possibly the best scene), and the scene is in its right place. She does an amazing job because what's revealed of her character later on towards the end totally supports the attitude she's been portraying throughout the whole film. She's a wonderful actress.
shareye i think this is one of her best films.
Generally she isnt so good in English language films, apart from VanillaSky i thought.
its hard to play in foreign films and she isnt a particularly good actress, but just like arnold & banderas for example had their own thing going for them in action movies, she has her beauty, and thats why she also gets away with it and has gone as far as she has in her career today
ye i think this is one of her best films.
Generally she isnt so good in English language films, apart from VanillaSky i thought.
its hard to play in foreign films and she isnt a particularly good actress, but just like arnold & banderas for example had their own thing going for them in action movies, she has her beauty, and thats why she also gets away with it and has gone as far as she has in her career today
I have to totally agree! That dance scene was GREAT! I was flipping channels one night, and just happened to land on this movie, right as Penelope was wiggling on the bed ... it was great! Now, later, I see the movie ... and realize just how "out of context" this scene seems.
Great scene, fair movie, and great to see Penelope strutting like a man (maybe?) ... it actually looks (at times), like her panties were "riding up", LoL!
"so, what happened .. did your balls just DROP OFF"? Heath Ledger, (R.I.P.)!share
Loved this scene. It was funny and well choreographed. Like others I also adored Carmen as a character.
my vessel is magnificent and large and huge-ishshare