The actors, part 2B-supporting actor Javier Padilla

This is the second and final part of our interview with actor Javier Padilla, who plays Manolo and also the drunk in "Domino."

Interviewer (Eve A. Ma-EM):  What is your experience acting in film and video?  And what are some of your favorite movies?

Javier Padilla:   I began my career in acting at a later age than is usual.  With that in mind, I've been in a handfull of shorts including one called "Curso d"Andalu" [that appeared on Canal Sur in Andalucia].  I was also in a commercial--an experience I'd rather forget.  Finally, I had a part in a film called La mano negra (The Black Hand).  At the end of the movie, my character along with several others were executed.  [This movie is about an anti-fascist organization, or possible organization, in which several of those that Franco's government identified as plotters were arrested, imprisoned, tortured and executed.  ED]  Then in "Domino,"  I don't end up on the executioner's block, but I do have to fire my employees.  Sad endings.

There are lots and lots of movies that I like.  Of the many, three that stand out in particular are "El Verdugo" of Luis Garcia Berlanga, "The Night of the Hunter" of Charles Laughton and "City Lights" of Charlie Chaplin.  Most contemporary movies I find to be a bit spineless, but every once in a while I am pleasantly surprised.

Javier Padilla as Manolo in "Domino."

EM:  What did you like most about portraying Manolo in "Domino?"  and the drunk?

Javier Padilla:  It was very interesting for me to play the part of a business owner that had to turn down a friend who desperately needed work.  I'm accustomed, in my theater company, to be on the other side, meaning, on the side of the person looking for work.  Playing this role helped me emphathize a little with "the bad guys."

As for the drunk, that was really a simpler role, or at any rate, it wasn't as complicated for me.  To empathize with an occasional drunk is not very hard--even though I'm not a drinker. 

EM:  What was hardest for you?

Javier Padilla:  Nothing in particular.  As I already mentioned, these are roles that I encounter in everyday life, and that didn't require any profound study.  I didn't have to go to any meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous to capture the essence of the drunk, and if I'm familiar with brushing someone off, it's kind of like saying goodbye when you leave for a trip.

Javier Padilla showing off his theater company´s van.

EM:  What did you think of the script and the concept of "Domino?"

Javier Padilla:  I thought it was an interesting focus.  To dissect reality and show the crisis from the point of view of a "normal" person who finds himself in a situation very compromizing (but not uncommon), in my view can help people understand what's going on.  It would be wonderful if the audience responds by feeling solidarity withe the central character, and critical of what's going on.

NOTE:  Due to the blogger´s injury (almost but not quite healed), I may only be able to write one blog per week for the next few weeks.


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