Javier Bardem Breaks Down His Career, from 'No Country for Old Men' to 'Dune' | Vanity Fair

Javier Bardem takes us through his iconic career, sharing insights on his roles from 'No Country for Old Men', 'Biutiful', and 'Skyfall' through his 2021 films 'Dune' and 'Being The Ricardos.'
Javier Bardem stars as Desi Arnaz in Amazon Studios BEING THE RICARDOS in theaters and available globally on Prime Video.
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Javier Bardem Breaks Down His Career, from 'No Country for Old Men' to 'Dune' | Vanity Fair

[@VanityFair]

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[@anakinfan8]

over 10 years and his performance in No Country is still one of the all-time greatest villain performances

[@sirmontag]

Haven't seen a villain top it yet. One of the best examples to ever be filmed.

[@piddlesmcgee]

Yup, that character is just chilling the first time you see him on screen, beautifully recreated evil

[@JudgeNicodemus]

Anton was such a good villain you see him not as a person, but as a force of nature.

[@aquamarine99911]

@@aguiballs. Waltz is a good choice, but you'd also have to add Heath Ledger's Joker. That's the triumvirate of villains with immortal scenes that will be re-watched again and again, until the end of time. (I'm sure there's more.)

[@sito7186]

Anthony Hopkins will always be the most evil villain ever.

[@seal869]

His English is excellent. It’s crazy that he didn’t want to take the No Country role because he was afraid he couldn’t speak English. The dude is a true star. A great addition to the Dune cast as well.

[@koichiyoshikawa7650]

I love how humble he is. Amazing actor and human being

[@lexkanyima2195]

But he was nervous

[@newwavenewagek-hazechannel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn-9qIOLibCfoNU

[@End-Result]

His English isn't "excellent"; he speaks English better than most native speakers.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

I'm not a huge fan of the Coen Brothers, but if I was an actor, I would have said YES before reading the script if I knew my character was called, *"Anton Chigurh"* .

[@Nimora]

If you listen to the interview carefully, he spends more time praising and complimenting the people around him, than he talks about himself. That is the sign of an amazing person

[@Garenop]

I actually was noticing that and it was cool

[@mark0183]

Hard to believe he was portraying the opposite in no country for old man

[@lucascourtney8004]

@@mark0183 its why hes an unreal actor

[@pattraverse778]

@@mark0183 Which is why the Coens told him that it was going to be something new and different for him and he pulled it off incredibly well.

[@Woodsaras]

Thats a sign of a politician. And dmb people like you buy it all the time.

[@MissNaomiBD]

So classy how he really complimented the actor who played opposite him in the gas station scene in Old Country. A brilliant run through of his career - seems like a genuinely warm guy, passionate about the art 👏🏿

[@myztik5716]

Doesn't know his name tho 😂

[@jerbsherb4391]

@@myztik5716 He was probably a side character (which he was) and you can't blame him for forgetting his name

[@rageagainstmyhairline5574]

Agreed, very magnanimous of him. Just giving the other actor credit is still a good thing, Myztik; plenty of other actors are so self-involved it wouldn't even occur to them to highlight someone they shared one short scene with.

[@Bobby_sprinkles]

@@myztik5716 Think about how long ago it was. Think about how many people he meets. And how many he meets for a small amount of time. He said it took a few takes and it was done. So I imagine they only spent time together for a day or two and he hasn't seen him again.

[@MrTomlette]

Yep, but to be honest, he really did amazing acting (the other guy), which is often overlooked because of Bardem's performance. Both of them are great.

[@JajuanLogan]

He was a menace in No Country for Old Men absolutely terrifying

[@farzanamughal5933]

Factuale mate

[@Hydroxoid]

“Would you hold still, please sir?”

[@haik3971]

"What's the most you ever lost in a coin toss?"

[@briansoos4856]

also in Skyfall

[@zayzay4405]

you’re quite deaf aren’t you

[@simonDopeSRB]

the fact that he remembers the stories with the names of the people involved, he is aware of the passing of a hairdresser. More than an amazing actor an amazing human being.

[@flordeloto944]

What a talent. And all the directors he has worked with: Pedro Almodóvar, Alejandro Amenábar, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Sam Mendes, The Cohens, Darren Aronofsky, Denis Villeneuve. Pretty amazing.

[@KingMinosxxvi]

Julian Schnabel

[@nms7872]

Cant forget Michael Mann

[@jgl8137]

Woody Allen

[@childhoodisthatyou9869]

Nope he has never been in the MCU he can't have had a dream career.

[@grigorirasputin7165]

@@childhoodisthatyou9869 MCU? Is that a joke? The only thing you have to do is go to the gym… and they say that Downney Jr deserves an Oscar for his role, what a joke lol

[@sainsburmcmanus]

The fact he focuses so much on the supporting actor in “that” No Country scene, goes to show how incredible a man he is. Acting royalty without question.

[@darkangel15221]

He's absolutely incredible. I wish they would've included "Mother" and "Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona."

[@devrongrant2183]

You read my mind. I was so hoping to hear his insight on those two films. (I wonder if he's embarrassed or just didn't want to discuss them?)

[@tylerinnes3178]

@@devrongrant2183 he doesn't pick the films they talk about

[@kokorospirit5006]

@Lilian Good point I did not notice. Are Mother and Collateral "controversial" as well?

[@catbranchman01]

I think Bardem is one of the few collaborators of Woody Allen that hasn’t jumped on the bandwagon against him. I respect him for that.

[@jeremysiron9622]

@@kokorospirit5006 Mother is extremely controversial, not sure about the other one

[@wisperingbeard]

“That character is violence.” And that’s why he won the Oscar. He wasn’t portraying a man. He was personifying the most terrible aspect of human nature and his portrayal was terrifying.

[@nishadchhetri4421]

Just love how he doesn't talk about himself or his character in the gas station scene but rather about the character who portrays the owner of the gas station and his clear vulnerability and fear.

[@elhopper3735]

Skyfall is my second favorite Bond movie of all time. His portrayal of Silva and that story about the rats at the beginning is a big part of why I love it so much

[@Raysa1208]

Same. Silva is my favorite Bond vilan. He feels incredibly real.

[@LanaaAmor]

overrated hollywood crap

[@Iksvomid]

Which one is your favorite?

[@DavidArriola]

@@LanaaAmor with a Kylo Ren picture? XD

[@fungus_am0nguz644]

@@DavidArriola loooool dayummmm, got 'im 😄 🤣 😂

[@eddiecardwell]

An incredible actor, one of my favorites. I’m glad he acknowledged the actor who plays the gas station attendant in No Country for Old Men. He was really good in that scene.

[@eddiecardwell]

No Country for Old Men is Javier’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’. Its the one he hears the most about but he has such an amazing catalog of characters and performances that all need attention. I hope he keeps working for a long time.

[@lithantushelo7932]

Shout out to Javier for highlighting something important, intimidation scenes need great actors on both sides, that scene really wouldn't be complete without the actor playing the gas station attendent being as nervious and scared as he is . In the same way that the actor playing Lapatite's fall into despair in Inglorious Basterds are also an important part to that openning scene.

[@hadara69]

Lifelong Horror geek here and “Anton Chigur” is still HANDS DOWN the creepiest and most terrifying villain that has ever haunted the screen! Javier is an insanely talented and skilled actor no matter the role.

[@jacqueline6434]

what do you recommend for horror? I just watched No Country for Old Men, and it opened my eyes to a whole genre I avoided

[@hadara69]

@@jacqueline6434 It depends what subgenre of Horror you’d prefer. If you want more like this (Crime Drama), I’d say, “Silence of the Lambs” (Oscar winner!) , “Don’t Breathe” (Buckle UP!), “I saw the Devil” (Korean Horror is DOPE!), and “The Fog” (1980). Last one is John Carpenter who’s better known for “Halloween”, but “The Fog” has better atmosphere and dread, IMHO. Also anything by Dario Argento (Italian), but it’s a different style Crime Drama. More Arthouse with lots of color. I just watched “Loving Pablo” which was mentioned in this video. WOW!! Fantastic. You gotta check that out too. Scary that this prick was real though. You’re heart will break for her character. Cheers!

[@jacqueline6434]

@@hadara69 Thank you for the indepth recommendations :)!

[@baltasarmelchor935]

in perdita durango is too a fantastic villain. underrated movie

[@TheSummerbeauty23]

Just finished watching dune for the 7th time. His portrayal of Stilgar still amazes me.

[@DrMetPhD]

Just perfect casting

[@anthonybrett]

Agreed. He was brilliant. 7 times! Im only on my second. I'm pacing myself. I have to make this sucker last another 2 years till the next one.

[@LanaaAmor]

not another dunetard 😭

[@DG-gx4sg]

@@LanaaAmor Lol okay Star Wars profile picture

[@TheSummerbeauty23]

@@anthonybrett It's just such a phenomenal piece of cinema. Every time I watch it I find something new.

[@outlaw42001]

I still remember the silence in the movie theater during the "gas station scene" of No Country For Old Men. One of the most tense moments in the last couple decades of cinema, it was so simple yet an absolutely terrifying way to introduce the villain.

[@richardshitz6451]

I love that he gave credit to the actor playing the gas station attendant. After all acting is not just speaking, it’s interacting and listening. It takes two, for lack of a better phrase.

[@briandobson5135]

Javier is a gifted actor yet so humble. His roles in No country for old men, and Dead men tell no tales are my two favorites. Both of them he played the villian but in "dead Men" his character Armando Salazar made you kind of relate to the curse he's suffered with for years!

[@xomarahdickison7567]

What an amazing actor and man. He is so masculine and yet sensitive. His words are like poetry, the way he strings them together, the cadence, the accent and rhythm. I could listen all day and watch forever. Un regalo de la madre patria!

[@emmabee5027]

Such a nice guy, so down to earth.. loved that he said so truthfully all the facts and not afraid to admit his insecurities.. and as an actor… oh wow! he can perform in an amazing way any role.

[@Pandacakesssss]

That part about him realizing he's in a James Bond movie got me laughing hard, he's honestly a funny wholesome guy

[@RisingExaltations]

I recently read No Country for lit class and watched the movie with high expectations. He did not disappoint. Movie was amazing. Solid acting and personality

[@rawrcalumx]

If you liked that, you should read Cormac's other masterpiece: The Road. Then watch the movie.

[@gutspraygore]

Amazing charisma. He's kind of like Alan Rickman in how they're both magnets for attention in any scene they're in. Well, I guess I can add Christopher Walken and Willem Dafoe, too. They all have an uncharacteristic beauty.

[@Cangaca777]

Just imagine him and Alan Rickman together on a scene. that would be absolutely gold!

[@finnanderson9941]

Javier is such a gentlemen. You can tell he loves his job, and is such a wonderful person. My respect for him has increased exponentially

[@strakk]

Javier is one of those actors who's so good that when they nail a best actor awarding role you think they're never going to surpass It but he does every time.

[@Major98]

Amazing actor. No Country For Old Men is still one of the greatest films I've ever watched. I'd like to see Javier play Kraven the Hunter in the Marvel Spider-Man movies

[@davidmckesey7119]

2 months for 5 minutes of excellence

[@KyuzouTV]

always wanted to see josh brolin, now we get Aaron Taylor-Johnson which i feel is probably too young

[@Major98]

@@KyuzouTV Brolin is a great pick as well. But he's already Thanos and Cable. He's a similar caliber to Bardem in my opinion

[@joaoheitor5525]

Scott Adkins is perfect to Kraven too

[@viditjain2653]

@@joaoheitor5525 yoo fr he;d be great too

[@arimas1977]

Many comments says that he is underrated but he is not! He doesn't pick automatically Marvel or action movies and play under the direction of fantastic directors... He is an international class actor and what a performer ! Bravo !

[@nancykerrigan]

The bond films aren't action movies?

[@andrewisaac3418]

Pirates of the Caribbean ?

[@bastibagui2553]

Dune?

[@arimas1977]

@@nancykerrigan you are right but he is not stuck in action Marvel like movies , I meant lol

[@arimas1977]

@@andrewisaac3418 that's exactly right lol

[@jerbsherb4391]

I love his acting. He plays his roles so naturally, you forget he is even acting.

[@unknownyoutubeuser1796]

The best thing about Javier is everything! Such a humble and solid dude.

[@DavidArriola]

Why did they leave so many "big ones" out of even the timeline? Eat Pray Love, Mother!, Los lunes al sol, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Pirates of the Caribbean...

[@ailsonconti]

Mother!

[@venustianozaragoza9436]

Carne Trémula

[@victoriab.6601]

Perdita durango

[@pegianddon]

I just want to throw a party where the firemen brings more beer. The lesson about playing a king will stick with me for the rest of my life. Genius!

[@JadoreDepp]

Sweet fact: He worked twice with Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz worked 3 times with Depp, the three of them are close friends.

[@EliGoldstein2001]

He’s incredible. Such interesting stories and so well spoken considering he almost turned down No Country for Old Men because he didn’t speak English well. Nice to see him get recognition for the fantastic acting he’s done.

[@lexkanyima2195]

He did well

[@eltoneagle8136]

Javier is equally intense as Al Pacino and Robert De Niro These men have both Latin ancestry which makes them very powerful on screen it's about their eyes and strong facial features

[@hazeleyes3176]

I find him mesmerising once he hits the screen. No matter the role. So happy I came across this!

[@stevenwymor1398]

I love this guy. Tremendous actor. Tremendous human being.

[@Borg14]

I bet every director absolutely loves working with Javier on set.

[@jordan34023]

This man played the greatest non comic book villain to ever hit the big screen. One of my favorite movies of all time and I cannot thank this man enough for that performance.

[@LanaaAmor]

not even close lmao

[@jordan34023]

@@LanaaAmor alright “Kylo Ren”

[@hamidmehnat8356]

@@LanaaAmor looking at your profile it’s obvious you’re trying far too hard to be “different”. Give respect where it’s due and stop looking like a fool

[@childhoodisthatyou9869]

THANOS???

[@sharknado623]

Daniel Day Lewis in There will be blood or Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the lambs?

[@ethanjones2901]

Incredibly humble. It’s a pleasure to hear him gush over all these directors and actors he looks up to. I already liked Javier and I only like him more now.

[@arnoldhernandez1910]

His role in Dune was just fantastic. I’m so glad it all played out well.

[@samcoumans3960]

What an actor. Brilliant performances all around. Incredibly versatile

[@matuchakileo]

He has so much respect for the directors and crew members he has worked with. I respect him so much!

[@orkosubmarine]

I love this mans so much, what a humble, awesome dude

[@arturlago-varjapetian3210]

I happen to be a part of that babaloo scene. It was a great honor to share a set and a dance floor with J.Bardem and N, Kidman. Such a great film, memory, and experience

[@Outkast-sv9es]

Ben Shapiro, is that you?

[@elijahgavin6706]

Has anyone ever told you you look like the American political pundit Ben Shapiro 😂

[@Luciano_LaVoca]

His 5 minutes in Collateral was suspenful af. This guy has some serious talent!

[@maxzett]

Lol. I've watched Dune 3 times and while I love Javier, I didn't even realize he was in the movie :D

[@MagneticDonut]

Oh bc thats not Javier. Thats Stilgar irl

[@jennijenni793]

Javier is so underrated!! He’s an absolutely incredible actor 🤌🏼

[@Annoflacrosse]

Every film entry, he took the time to compliment at least one person on the project. What a guy.

[@JnnyUtah35]

Him saying he was nervous and insecure about the gas station scene in No Country For Old Men... That floored me. He was terrifying in that scene.

[@moondawwg]

Biutiful was a performance of a lifetime, truly heartbreaking.

[@tycarper6330]

My favorite actor. Always steals the show. That story about the party after the nomination is amazing.

[@kapannier]

So glad to see Biutiful highlighted here, this is one of my favourite films and one of my favourite Bardem films as well. Love this interview, thanks so much Vanity Fair for this :)

[@ichooseluna]

I never knew him until I watched this completely… he is such an attractive person, and he seems to have an amazing relationship with his wife, go Javier!

[@baileywilder5227]

one of my favourite working actors. incredible presence in everything he does.

[@AlexSaysHi2013]

I just want be in a room with this guy. He seems so genuine and cool and my god HUMBLE

[@fabianarmilla8166]

His role in No Country is one of the most iconic in Hollywood history.

[@elliottknight5788]

I'm more so attracted to the physicality of how he expresses his thoughts, it's so captivating.

[@heavenasura]

Thank you , Mr. Bardem , for bringing us the best soul of "Biutiful" , it's a marvelous masterpiece , thank you !!!

[@catherineantoine7688]

Watched every single of his films multiple times since Jamon Jamon! One of my favorite actors. BRILLIANT, down to earth, gifted, warm, smart, handsome, great human being 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@jsl21]

I know it's been said but it's so great how much he compliments the other actor in the coin toss scene in No Country. Especially considering how iconic and terrifying a character Chigurh is. Javier's a class act.

[@isabelaxalves]

THIS MAN IS MY EVERYTHING 💛🥺 thank you for this!!!

[@nadiapushkina8887]

Thank you so much for this interview I've been waiting for! I only missed Goya's Ghosts as this was the movie where I first saw him and he was amazing there. A role worth mentioning definitely...

[@spinna7858]

As it was written

[@anastasiazaripova3022]

I admire him so much. Amazing person, incredibly talented actor! We need more movies with Javier!

[@Puddlef1sh]

Absolute legend. No Country for Old Men is cinema perfection.

[@fwiedwice824]

Literally must watched No Country for Old Men last night.. this guy is a legend

[@christianrivera9998]

His filmography feels like a must-watch for sure. Javi binge? I might.

[@Robotman]

All the films he’s in are amazing

[@MrDyingart]

This is one of the best "Career" videos Vanity fair have done.

[@leahdisher2296]

Loved this!!!! On the edge of my seat the whole time 🤩

[@alf5617]

What a great video. Truly informative and interesting throughout. 👏👏

[@Las-yv5id]

The gas station owner in No Country is Gene Jones, and he truly gives one of the great single scene performances. You don't see him in any of the movie, before or after then.

[@steffireyno6096]

Omg that party sounds amazing - one of my fav actors so talented, sincere and intelligent

[@norkmork9955]

I love the way he talks about the gas station scene! No ego, only respect for the craft

[@gguasqui]

I so much wanted to see him talking about Perdita Durango, perfect character.

[@yakuzamoons]

he speaks so highly of his co-workers I love the bit about not acting like a king but making sure people treat you like one, it makes his NCFOM performance hit even harder.

[@Native_Creation]

Such a phenomenal icon, his brother is an actor as well. Was in a scene with him on The Son and it was a blast.

[@Lestakeo]

I would have loved for him to talk about Perdita Durango. Still very interesting to hear him talk about his other magnificent roles.

[@kojiattwood]

Wish he would've talked about playing Felix in Collateral, that was fantastic.

[@SharapovaFan]

Loved him in No Country for Old Men and Skyfall. Very memorable performances.

[@iTalkALotDontListen]

What he said about treating like a king was genius.

[@arivette2010]

Amazing actor. Making us Spanish speakers proud.

[@albitorri2]

Evidently passionate about his job, his search for the right emotions to play with his characters and his humbleness are most likely the key of his success

[@YaraBoussaadia]

Ah no Vicky Cristina Barcelona 😩 I love that movie

[@GrouchyOldBear7]

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it.

[@vicjames3256]

If you haven't def see Before Night Falls, The Sea Inside (Mar Adentro), and Live Flesh. He's really just a fantastic actor.

[@nightwing8446]

His role in No Country for Old Men still kinda scares me!!

[@victoriab.6601]

He was so good in Perdita durango and Los lunes al sol, (which is also a beautiful film)

[@raneeshhewage6842]

Love this interview and obviously, Javier Bardem is one of the most versatile actors in modern cinema....

[@pouyapetg2725]

He is such a nice and humble person.

[@DepressedCapitalist]

Javier, eres lo máximo! Humildad, talento, pies en la tierra, Penelope, éxito... Lo tienes todo. Y te mereces todo!

[@EmilioGomez-wc7rb]

such a great actor! so underrated, thanks Spain for Javier Bardem!

[@dps0610]

Javier is such cool dude. Fascinating career and amazing actor.

[@izzy8609]

I absolutely love his performances

[@hamidrezanikoofar]

And don't forget his fantastic performance in "Everybody Knows."

[@trouble5085]

This is the only one of this entire Vanity Fair series that I've hit the Like button on.

[@solootto]

no country for old men my fav movie all time cuz of this guy

[@nicolascevallos2244]

excellent actor! thanks for the interview Vanity Fair