Pene, Pene, Pene!
(photo courtesy Insequential)
Almodóvar is back and he’s back with Pene (and Blanca Portillo of Volver!) for what might be his most sensual, lush, painful piece of work to date. I just took a first look at the trailer over at Apple.com this morning, and all I can say is … nothing. Have you seen her film wardrobe? The black dress covered in gold chains? I’ve included a shot below for you to salivate over. I’m almost speechless. I’m excited. I’m tickled pink. I just let out a small giggle.
(photo courtesy Ace Showbiz)
Whether boys or girls are your fancy, you can’t deny it: Penélope Cruz has a sex appeal that I think is unparalleled in film today. She’s the second coming of Sophia Loren, with the acting chops to match. The only word to describe her is “enchanting”: she completely seduces me and pulls you in, and always leaves you wanting more. She’s harnessed her raw talent and sensuality with a sense of maturity, making her one of the best actresses in Hollywood, although she still lacks the bankability of her blonde American counterparts.
But then you remember the Oscar, a rarity for a comedy feature. And her scene-stealing role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. If her Lena is anything like the Maria Elena of VCB, or the Raimunda of Volver, Broken Embraces is going to be one of the best films of the year, and possibly her best role to date.
(photo courtesy People.com)
She’s also doing double duty this season, releasing Rob Marshall’s second bigscreen musical Nine on Christmas Day. This month’s Vogue is dedicated to the women of Nine, and Pene landed the cover with Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard and Kate Hudson. Ugh, this cover bothers me for so many reasons: the Photoshop look that makes them look like they were photographed separately was a poor choice. Plus, the most obvious faux-pas: No Sophia Loren?? Shame – I would have loved to see her get the cover. I feel like she’s put in the time, and her involvement in the project is a huge deal. With the greats from old Hollywood passing away left, right and centre, I feel like she is all we have left from that era, and I feel like we should respect that crucial era of film. Don’t get me wrong, I love Kate Hudson, but Kate on the cover doesn’t feel right to me, not after a track record that includes Fool’s Gold and Bride Wars.
By the way, I feel like I must make mention of how I feel about Fergie’s involvement in Nine. I know it’s a musical, and I know she can sing and dance, but … no. Just like her presence in Planet Terror: No. I’m avoiding her in my iTunes, and I don’t want to see her meth face coming up in my musicals now too. Seriously, look at the shot below: Fergie front and centre? Really? When there’s people like Dame Judi Dench and a freshfaced Marion Cotillard around? They could have done better with this shoot. But still, look at Pene and Sophia Loren cuddling in the corner. Passing of the torch, perhaps? Go to Style.com (Vogue’s online home) for all the behind-the-scenes goodness.
(photo courtesy People.com)
Also check out the trailers for Broken Embraces and Nine below. I smell Oscar number two for Pene. Will I be disappointed?
The R Word: Rave. Nuff said.
