Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem Say ‘It’s Impossible’ Not to Talk Politics After Starring in Projects Like ‘Bunker’

Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem expressed their commitment to discussing politics during the promotion of their latest film, "Bunker." At a press conference during the Venice Film Festival, the couple made it clear that they found it "impossible" to avoid engaging in political discourse. In the movie, directed by Florian Zeller, the married couple faces challenges when Bardem's character decides to construct a survivalist bunker for a tech billionaire.

The actors, known for their vocal stance on politics, were questioned about their willingness to address political topics, a stance they have maintained in their previous works. Cruz stated, "We don't have to agree with our characters, we don't have to agree sometimes with the story, but this involves so many aspects of where the world is right now — things that affect all of us, future generations."

She acknowledged that the press conference might seem "more scary," but emphasized that it wouldn't make sense to evade discussing politics. Bardem agreed with his wife, asserting that everyone, regardless of their profession, has a "right to expose your truth" on what they deem important. He highlighted that, due to his resources, he has a greater responsibility to address the world's issues.

Both actors agreed that the film delves into themes such as empathy, isolation, and criminalization, and expressed that they grappled with the film's central questions without having definitive answers.