When Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar finished the script for his new film The Room Next Door he could immediately see there was a problem. His most successful films to date have starred Spanish actress Penélope Cruz. And yet there was clearly no role for her.
Cruz first trained as an actress with the express intention of starring in Almodovar films and after his 2006 hit Volver made her a global star, the pair have been frequent collaborators and close friends. “Hmm, yes I think she thought that I’d offer the part to her,” the director says a little gloomily when we meet.
