Two for the Show

Do you remember when you looked forward to seeing yet another movie with the wonderfully sexy Cary Grant or that unforgettable pixie, Audrey Hepburn? Well, don’t despair because there are two foreign film stars who have enough charisma and pizzazz to make you think that the good old days are here again. I am making reference to the great Spanish actor, Javier Bardem, and the French gamin, Audrey Tautou.

Bardem is an amazing talent. Sexy, charismatic, a natural in comedic roles, yet equally adept in serious dramatic fare, Bardem uses his face like a contortionist uses his body, changing expression effortlessly while evoking the human condition at every turn. Bardem is the first Spanish actor to be nominated for an Academy Award. He received the nomination for his portrayal of persecuted Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas in the much acclaimed film, Before Night Falls. In addition, Bardem has won four Goyas which are the Spanish equivalent of the Oscar award for best actor. He has appeared in more than twenty-five films including the following which are on The Movie Maven List: Before Night Falls, The Sea Inside, The Dancer Upstairs, and Boca a Boca (Mouth to Mouth).

Audrey Tautou brings passion and beauty to the screen with more than just her acting and looks. She has the uncanny ability to always come across as natural and genuine. Of course, she is probably best known to American audiences for her role in The Da Vinci Code, but Tautou starred in a number of foreign films before landing a role beside Tom Hanks. Tautou has not received the critical acclaim afforded Bardem but still has two Cesar Award nominations, the national film award of France, to her credit. Tautou is best known for her roles in comedies but can also handle more serious material such as in Dirty Pretty Things. She brings delight, wit and class to three of the most acclaimed films on The Movie Maven List, L’Auberge Espagnole, Amelie from Montmartre, and Happenstance.

Back to Maven Speaks