Actors Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem heated up the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. They staged an iconic moment that will go down in the festival's history, showcasing the dignity of Hollywood's representative power couple.
On the 9th (local time), Cruz and Bardem left the Excelsior Hotel on Lido Island in Venice and, holding hands, boarded a water taxi—Cruz in a dazzling flower dress and Bardem in a comfortable beige shirt. The sight of the two smiling brightly and waving to fans showed an affection not unlike that of newlyweds.
The reason the two attended this festival is that the psychological thriller they starred in together, 'Bunker', was officially invited. In this film directed by Florian Zeller, the two play Sofia and Miguel, respectively, once again showing perfect chemistry.
The reaction right after the world premiere screening held the previous day in Sala Grande was explosive. When the film ended, the audience stood and gave applause for a full 15 minutes and 30 seconds. That is the longest standing ovation at this year's Venice Film Festival.
Faced with the unexpected enthusiastic cheers, Cruz could not hold back her emotions and finally burst into tears. Bardem warmly embraced his sobbing wife, and director Zeller took the hands of the two lead actors and led them to the center of the stage. Bardem repeatedly smiled charmingly and showed the courtesy of giving all the credit to his wife, who wore a custom red Chanel dress, drawing even greater cheers from the audience.
The film 'Bunker' deals with the crisis that unfolds among architect Miguel, who falls into a moral dilemma over building a survival bunker for a tech billionaire (played by Paul Dano), his wife Sofia, and American novelist Jeremy (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger), who begins working with Sofia. Critics are showering praise on the acting of the two, who are working together for the ninth time since 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'.
After first meeting during the 1992 film 'Jamón Jamón', the two became romantically involved in 2008 and had their relationship culminate in 2010; they have a son and a daughter. In a recent interview, Bardem said, "In contracts I only put a clause that I won't be separated from my family for more than two weeks," and he expressed deep affection for his wife, saying, "Penélope is a beautiful and wonderful person and a blessing in my life."
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