Is your compatriot Almodóvar the reason why you became an actress?
When I was 16, I saw “Atame – Fessle Mich”, an 18+ film. I came out of the cinema and knew I had to find an agent because I wanted to be an actress. That was a dream. Two years later he called me, but I was too young for the role (in the media satire “Kika”). But he said, “I’ll write you a part for my next film.” It gives me a safety net and therefore also pushes me to do something I’m really scared of.
Got this offer in the middle of lockdown?
Yes, in the really bad lockdown when we were locked up in Madrid. We didn’t know if and when we would shoot. We were all just depressed. And in that moment Pedro gave me hope – something to look forward to.
You know him both professionally and privately.
I’m not sure if he really has a private page. He is writing three screenplays at the same time. Only when we shoot is he happy. I get that. I’m a wife and mother and I’m absorbed by it, but I’m only complete in front of the camera.
You also recently played a role in the comedy “Official Competition” regarding the film business.
It was liberating and funny because I’m such a psychopath at it. On the one hand clever and charming, on the other hand idiotic, wild, eccentric and completely unfiltered. I’m so different, so it was so fun to step into her shoes. This film doesn’t shed the best light on stars and directors.
Have you ever experienced anything like this on set?
Well, we often do crazy things. In “Don’t Move” (2004) I didn’t move my legs for three months. An aunt said, “You’ve lost your mind.” A colleague told me that a director wanted her to go to a certain psychiatrist for a month in preparation for a role. She did it – and the psychiatrist is the director! Luckily nothing happened.
