Antonio Banderas on the Challenges of Commercials and the Power of Theater
The Unseen Struggle of Shooting Commercials
Antonio Banderas, the renowned actor known for his captivating roles in films like The Mask of Zorro and Paddington in Peru, recently shared an interesting perspective about his career in a conversation with CNN. In a surprising revelation, Banderas admitted that shooting commercials is more challenging than filming movies. He explained that unlike movies, where the focus is on storytelling and character development, commercials require a different kind of finesse. “The product is the star, not you,” he said, emphasizing the need to master the art of selling. This shift in dynamic makes commercials a unique and often daunting task for actors.
Making His Super Bowl Debut with Bosch
Banderas is now taking on this challenge with his first-ever Super Bowl commercial for the German company Bosch. Known for its wide range of appliances and innovative products, Bosch has paired Banderas with an actor portraying the late wrestler Randy “The Macho Man” Savage in a fun and creative ad. While Banderas has appeared in Super Bowl ads before, those were primarily for movie trailers, such as the 1998 hit The Mask of Zorro. This time, it’s different—he’s directly tied to a product, and the experience has been a new frontier for him.
The Joy of Filming and Personal Connections
Despite the challenges, Banderas thoroughly enjoyed filming the Bosch ad. He mentioned that improvisation was encouraged, which allowed him to bring his signature charm and spontaneity to the role. At one point, he even found himself barking during a scene, showcasing his ability to embrace thelight-hearted nature of the project. The ad also holds a special significance for Banderas on a personal level. His girlfriend, model Nicole Kimpel, has German roots, and her father is a German engineer. Banderas shared that she was impressed by his collaboration with Bosch, adding a layer of personal pride to the project.
Using Commercials to Fuel His Passion for Theater
While many might assume that commercials are solely for financial gain, Banderas revealed that his involvement in such projects serves a higher purpose. He doesn’t pocket the money from these ads; instead, he dedicates it to supporting his theater in Spain. The theater, which is a labor of love for him, employs a team of 23 people and is a space where he can hire actors, musicians, and other creatives to bring his vision to life. For Banderas, this is more than just a business decision—it’s a way to nurture the arts and preserve a space where stories can be told and shared.
The Sanctity of Theater in a Divided World
Banderas’ passion for theater extends beyond mere entertainment. He believes that in a world grappling with darkness and uncertainty, theater serves as a sanctuary for truth and connection. “You can have many opinions, but there is one truth that is objective, which is, I am here as a human being, and you are there as an audience, and there is nothing in the middle,” he said. Theater, for him, is a space where human beings can communicate directly, free from the noise of the outside world. It’s a place where art transcends differences and brings people together in a shared experience.
A Legacy of Love, Art, and Connection
Through his work in commercials and his dedication to theater, Antonio Banderas continues to leave a mark on the world that goes beyond the screen. While he may be known for his iconic roles in films, it’s his commitment to the arts and his belief in the power of human connection that truly define him. Whether he’s charming audiences in a Super Bowl ad or nurturing talent in his Spanish theater, Banderas reminds us that storytelling, in all its forms, has the ability to unite and inspire us. In a world that often feels fragmented, his work is a testament to the enduring power of art and creativity.
