Italian
Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal reunite in “La Máquina”
It’s been well over a decade since Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna last shared the screen. Their last major collaboration was in the breakout film “Y Tu Mamá También,” which catapulted both actors to international stardom. Surprisingly, ever since that monumental film, the duo has rarely been pitched roles in the same project.
However, their paths have finally converged once more with their latest venture, the Spanish-language Hulu series “La Máquina”.
Two guys and a dream
Reflecting on their careers, Bernal shared a humorous anecdote. ”After ‘También,’ we kept getting offers for similar films. You know, two guys going to the beach,” he chuckled. The only substantial collaboration since then was 2012’s “Casa de Mi Padre,” a unique project initiated by Will Ferrell.
Plot synopsis and character insights
“La Máquina” delves deep into the world of boxing, portraying the story of Esteban (played by Bernal), an aging champion striving for redemption after a crushing defeat. The plot thickens with Esteban’s manager, Andy (Luna), who is characterized by his extravagant lifestyle marked by over-the-top plastic surgery, self-tanner, and opulent jewelry. The story takes a dark turn as Andy must navigate the perilous world of debts and lies from Esteban’s past career.
Why it took so long
Developing “La Máquina” as a film project took nearly a decade. Luna explains, “We wanted to do it right. We aimed to create something that truly mattered to us — discussing the intricacies of success, letting go, and aging, which are very relevant to our lives now.”
The pitfalls of success
Success didn’t come without its own set of challenges. Bernal passionately spoke about the ‘trap’ of success. “Success imposes certain responsibilities, and you end up becoming a money machine. Our story aims to break that stereotype and present an honest narrative.”
Crafting a unique narrative
Bernal and Luna set out to create a story that deviates from the archetypical tales of success. ”It was about presenting the moment of saying goodbye, rather than the traditional success story,” Bernal elaborates. Luna adds, “We wanted to move away from the pervasive violence associated with boxing, avoiding clichés to tell a more nuanced story.”
Light but profound
Despite the heavy themes, they aimed to make the series engaging and enjoyable. “We wanted it to be light and fun yet thought-provoking,” Bernal shared thoughtfully.
Reflections on aging and success
The underlying themes of “La Máquina” are profound and relevant. Luna and Bernal emphasize the themes of growing up and letting go. They challenge the notions of success and reflect on how aging changes one’s perspective.
Personal challenges and unique insights
Discussing the unique elements of their characters, Bernal and Luna share intriguing behind-the-scenes moments. Luna recalls fitting into pants with a fake ass and how it transformed his character’s physicality. “I realized when you have an ass, there’s a limited selection of trousers you can wear. I plan to frame those pants at home,” Luna jokes.
Bernal chuckled recounting the challenges of filming intense scenes without breaking into laughter. “When we laugh, it’s uncontrollable. That scene where Andy confesses his cosmetic surgeries was particularly hysterical.”
The pressures of remaining youthful
In a lighter vein, they delve into the societal pressures of maintaining a youthful appearance. While Luna has never felt the inclination for cosmetic procedures, he amusingly responds, “No. Do you think I need it?”
A historic moment for Mexico
The conversation veers towards significant events, including Mexico’s election of its first female president. Luna and Bernal express a mixture of surprise and hope. “We never imagined witnessing this,” Luna admits. Bernal adds, “What’s happening now is beyond our expectations.”
Wrapping up
This exclusive insight into their journey provides a closer look at the creative process behind “La Máquina.” It not only reunites two celebrated actors but also promises a refreshing narrative exploring universal themes of success, loss, and growth.
For more of their engaging discussions and behind-the-scenes stories, be sure to catch the “Just for Variety” podcast. Share your thoughts and excitement for “La Máquina” on social media, and stay tuned for more updates!
