Javier Bardem addresses political advocacy while promoting new drama in Venice

The short version

• Florian Zeller's competition feature Bunker premiered at the Venice Film Festival starring Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Bardem stated that having an audience gives him a distinct responsibility to address global political and social challenges.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Zeller stated the screenplay was influenced by reports of Mark Zuckerberg constructing a subterranean shelter in Hawaii.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Key facts

• Florian Zeller directed Bunker, a Venice competition feature starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• In the film, Bardem portrays an architect who secretly agrees to build an underground survival bunker for a billionaire.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Zeller stated that reading about Mark Zuckerberg constructing an underground bunker in Hawaii inspired the screenplay.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Bardem stated that having a public media platform gives him a responsibility to speak out on political and social matters.[The Hollywood Reporter]
• Cruz expressed concern about the position of women globally, remarking that women are sometimes treated as puppets.[The Hollywood Reporter]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Javier Bardem Feels a “Responsibility” to Speak Out on Political Issues: “I Have You Guys Listening to Me”The Hollywood Reporter metered