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A man of mysteryHe is an Oscar-winning actor and one-half of Spain’s mostfamous film-star couple. But what does celebrity meanto the enigmatic Javier Bardem? Summit finds outJavier Bardem has gone from starring in Spanish art houseproductions, gathering a solid fan base in his native Spain,to featuring in some of the most critically acclaimed filmsof the past few years.Currently, he is in London shooting the new James Bond film.His role: Bond villain alongside Daniel Craig and new Bond girlBérénice Marlohe. This is a far cry from his break in 1992 as anunderwear model and ham deliveryman in the Spanish film Jamón,Jamón, where he acted alongside Penélope Cruz in her screen debut.The couple were reunited in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona16 years later. On this second meeting, romance blossomed; theymarried in 2010 and had a son in 2011.It is hardly a surprise that interest in the couple has reached newheights since their triumphs on the screen have been extended toEnglish-speaking productions. But Javier and Penélope’s weddingwas a private affair conducted on a Caribbean island with just afew family members and close friends. Javier is adamant not tolet fame infiltrate their private life and has taken care not to letthe spotlight rest on their son.He is quick to refute any mindless comments about his glamorouslife. ‘I do a job and am lucky enough to do a job that I love, but it isa hard one. I’m not saying it is as hard as working in a coal mine,but it is still difficult. Sometimes you go through strong emotionaljourneys and then come back to yourself. And that can be tricky,’he told The Independent in an interview earlier this year.Javier is secretive about his current role as the Bond villain inSkyfall, but fulfilling a childhood dream, the actor appears to haveneeded little persuasion to take the role.‘I was born watching James Bond movies and there are manyreasons to do this – the cast, the script, the story, the role and,of course, [director] Sam Mendes,’ he said to journalist SamCottee. He is quick to add: ‘Of course, it is also about thematerial. I was very drawn to it. And the character iscomplex. It’s something that you want to have fun doing,but it’s a challenge.’ Sam Mendes’ direction was a reasonin itself not to decline an offer to be part of the 23rdBond film and the 50th anniversary celebration of theBond franchise. ‘Sam is a great director and he lovesperformance. He has this instinct for smelling greatscenes. He’s not “this is what I think” – he’s theopposite. He’s “bring on your ideas and let’s cook –while we cook, we shoot”.’And while playing a Bond villain might be achallenge, Javier has ample experience from whatis a near-to-lifelong career in acting. He was born54volume thirteenSummit