In case there was already any doubt about the capital importance of Penelope Cruz in the history of our cinema, from the Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts they have decided to award it the 2022 National Cinematography Award. recognition of a successful careerwhich has exported Spanish talent to Hollywood itself.
Reason why it is also necessary to recognize the value of their work in spaces like this. Today we focus on three key works carried out in Spainrecoverable through the different streaming platforms, which justify receiving such a prestigious award by the institution.
‘Ham Ham’ (1992)
Director: Bigas Moon. Distribution: Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Stefania Sandrelli, Anna Galiena, Juan Diego, Jordi Mollà.
It is almost inconceivable that a 16-year-old girl gives such a striking and charismatic performance in her first filmbut Cruz did it with this powerful and iconic film from bigas moon. A little phenomenon that put her on her map along with Javier Bardem Y Jordi Molla.
It could almost be worrying in today’s eyes a film with such a sexual and erotic charge around such young performers, but Luna’s film brimming with energy and genuine authenticity even in its melodrama so loaded. To this day, he continues to have a devastating force.
See on HBO Max, on Amazon Prime Video and on FlixOlé
‘Open your eyes’ (1997)
Director: Alejandro Amenabar. Distribution: Eduardo Noriega, Penelope Cruz, Chete Lera, Fele Martinez, Najwa Nimri.
One of the films Alejandro Amenabar that have aged in an interesting way, highlighting some problems but also highlighting some elements that keep it as a special film within the Spanish cinema of the nineties. raised something so cool it’s hard to say it doesn’t still have some strength.
To this contributes, of course, the charismatic interpretation of Cruz, who takes a lot out of a character that would have been somewhat schematic in the hands of another less capable. Her work was so remarkable that not even Tom Cruise resisted making her repeat her role for his American remake in ‘Vanilla Sky‘.
See on HBO Max, on Amazon Prime Video, on FlixOlé and on Movistar+ | Criticism in Espinof
‘Back’ (2006)
Director: Pedro Almodovar. Distribution: Penelope Cruz, Carmen Maura, Chus Lampreave, Lola Dueñas, Blanca Portillo.
It was probably never as momentous as this incredible film from Pedro Almodovar. Their best collaboration together is a quirky but close melodrama back to the rootsto the town, leaving a certain space for an amusing costumbrismo and even for a hint towards genre and ghost cinema.
But in the end all this is a story about mothers, about those women who raised the director from La Mancha, and could not be better honored than with that treasure of a character that is Raimunda. Cruz fills this protagonist with life, completely serving the story and showing herself brighter than ever without being flashy. It is a huge job.
Watch on Netflix | Criticism in Espinof