SALMA AND ANTONIO INTERVIEW
By Ben Pawliger and Alex Goldstein
Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas have worked together multiple times in movies, including Frida, Spy Kids 3D, Desperado, and now Puss in Boots. We recently had the opportunity to talk to them about Puss in Boots.
What motivated you to participate in Puss and Boots?
Antonio- “The first motivation is that I saw Shrek and I was very blessed with the new approach to animation movies…And then when they called me, I couldn’t believe it.”
Salma- “I was in Paris and I got a call, and they said would you like to do this, and life couldn’t have been more perfect. I love the Shrek films and I love Antonio and how he skyrocketed and what he did with it and I was so honored I had this opportunity.”
You have worked together so many times, what do you like about working with each other?
Salma- “I have never worked with somebody who is so enthusiastic about what they do. He really is such a storyteller by nature and he loves what he does. He is also very generous and he makes you better as a performer.”
Antonio- “In a good love story, I tend to think that when you think about things that are working, you have a tendency to lose it. I prefer to not know those things that are making us work.”
If you could give some motivational or inspirational statements to today’s parents and those watching the movie, what would you say?
Salma-“I think it’s important for parents to indulge children’s imagination so their brain can be malleable and so it has no limits to what it can believe.”
Antonio-“In a world like today where everything is so unpredictable and tough, to get the opportunity to make kids laugh, and to give them a few hours of great time together, and go home with a smile and learn some of the values that the movie has, its priceless.”
Who would win a dancing contest between you two?
Salma- “Well it definitely depends on the kind of dancing. If its flamenco, him, but if its salsa, get out of my way.”
Antonio-“I would definitely win, but 2nd place is not bad.”
You said that both of you have children, how do they feel about you being in a children’s movie?
Salma-“Well my daughter who saw it once is obsessed with it. She loves the character but is very critical. She continually asks me why I don’t have a hat, which I find hilarious.”
Antonio-“My son is 26 now so he usually has comments like ‘it’s cool pop’ and my daughter finds it to be pretty cute.”
How would you compare working on an animated movie to a normal movie which involves acting and which do you prefer?
Antonio-“It is way easier because you are totally free. You can do it completely on your schedule. The best part is when I record the audio, I have a hat on with a plastic sword to imagine myself as Puss when I record.
