It’s been more than 20 years since
Antonio Banderas last worked with
Pedro Almodóvar, but at last night’s premiere of
The Skin I Live In hosted by the Cinema Society and DeLeón at Manhattan’s Tribeca Grand Hotel, the actor noted that, although the director has refined his filmmaking skills, Almodóvar is “essentially the same guy, a guy who explores different territories than anybody else, a guy who goes to places where nobody dares to go.”
Audience members were ready to take the journey. Guests including
Oscar de la Renta, Alan Cumming, and
Martha Stewart filled every seat of the auditorium. Before the lights dimmed, lead actress
Elena Anaya issued a warning: “There’s a lot to digest in this film and I suggest you do it with a glass of wine after the screening!” Heeding her advice,
Rufus Wainwright joined
Madonna, Calvin Klein, and
Terry Richardson at Double Seven in the Meatpacking District to toast the cast.
The after-party could have been a scene from Almodóvar’s next movie, with stunning women comprising most of the crowd. “Someone had asked me the other day how I find such beautiful starlets,” said the director. “My secret lies in Spain. Penélope and Elena, they are a common beauty there.” However, it’s not just the face that lands the role, he admitted. “Elena had to take on a very unusual part. I needed a good actress and a tough woman. Elena was perfect for that. She is like a warrior, a soldier.” Yet, despite the tough demands of the job, the actress revealed that, “although it’s not a funny film, it was a lot of fun to make. Working with Antonio and Pedro was delightful. Laughter is a good way to relieve tension, and we laughed a lot.”
