STEAMY STREAMING: PENELOPE CRUZ
Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Volver, Pain and Glory +
Penélope Cruz has truly made a career out of acting. The Spanish actress got her start at the age of 16 and has shown no signs of slowing down. From Spanish flicks to American hits, Penélope has done it all. This week, PROVOKR has curated Penélope’s best roles. Enjoy!
PAIN AND GLORY
In the Oscar-nominated Spanish film, Penélope Cruz plays the mother of Antonio Banderas’ character. The Pedro Almodavor film couples autobiographical storytelling with compelling narrative, and Penélope shines.
Pain and Glory is available on Amazon Prime.
THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE
Darren Criss came out the star of The Assassinaiton of Gianni Versace, but Penélope Cruz’s performance as Donatella is unforgettable. She is nearly unrecognizable as the Italian fashion mogul, making her portrayal even more fascinating.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace is available on Netflix.
VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
Penélope Cruz takes that fiery passion and puts it into her performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. When two Americans (Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall) try to steal her man (Javier Bardem), she comes in to take him back. Penélope stars alongside her real-life husband, Javier Bardem, adding some extra levels of chemistry.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is available to rent on iTunes.
VOLVER
It seems Penélope either portrays mothers or is in movies about mothers. In this one, her husband’s mother seemingly comes back in the form of a ghost. The dramadey is captivating and moving.
Volver is available to rent on Amazon.
EVERYBODY KNOWS
This 2018 film is a little-known gem. The thriller takes off-screen couple Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem and puts them back on screen together. The couple and their family heads to Spain for a wedding, but one of their daughters is kidnapped, revealing a dark web of secrets.
Everybody Knows is available on Netflix.
ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER
This Pedro Almodovar film from 1999 is at the top of the Penélope Cruz list. The forward-thinking film explores grief, sexuality and individuality. It’s a beautiful and wrenching story.
All About My Mother is available to rent on Amazon.