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- Identity: the
building blocks of
2. Literature
and philosophy
3. Art and
architecture
4. Performing
arts
5. Cinema
and fashion
6. Media and
communications
7. Food and drink 8. Living culture:
the details of
Carmen Maura
Renowned as an Almodóvar muse and the star of films likeMujeres al borde de un
ataque de nervios (1988)andVolver. The latter saw her reunited with Pedro after an
18-year spat. She also shone in Saura’s¡Ay, Carmela!(1990).
Victoria Abril
Hugely versatile but best known for sexy leads in Aranda’sAmantesand Almodóvar’s
¡Átame!(1990).
Antonio Banderas
Found himself eroticised in Almodóvar films, notably starring alongside Abril as Ricky
the romantic mental patient in¡Átame!, before dining out on his Latin lover potential
in Hollywood.
Javier Bardem
Few Spanish actors have proved as versatile as Bardem, whether playing a macho
ham muncher inJamón Jamón, a monk inGoya’s Ghosts(2006) or a dying quadriplegic
inMar adentro.
Penélope Cruz
Another Almodóvar favourite, Cruz shone inTodo sobre mi madre(1999) andVolver.
Her career was launched with roles inJamón JamónandBelle Epoque. Today she
divides her films between Spain and Hollywood.
Five great actors of post-Franco cinema
