With ‘La Máquina,’ Diego Luna is embracing the passage of time
As I delve deeper into the captivating lives and careers of Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal, I find myself truly inspired by their relentless pursuit of truth, freedom, and self-discovery. Their work ethic is nothing short of commendable, as they tirelessly dedicate themselves to projects that not only entertain but also enlighten and empower.
Diego Luna is thinking about time a lot lately. How it’s passing. And how it’s spent.
The concept for their latest venture, “La Máquina,” initially conceived by Luna and his long-time partner in creativity, Gael García Bernal, as a feature film over a decade ago, eventually morphed into a captivating television series. This transformation occurred as the idea of adapting this boxing narrative into an episodic series seemed increasingly natural and enticing as the years passed by, with its premiere slated for October 9 on Hulu, marking the streamer’s debut in Spanish-language programming.
On a sunny September afternoon at the Chateau Marmont, I expressed my contentment to The Times about the time we invested in this project. I believe that the chance to delve into the career of a boxer and his manager nearing their end, mirrors many aspects of an actor’s journey. It offers a platform to draw parallels between our lives and careers, providing insights into the common struggles and triumphs we encounter in our respective fields within this business.
Esteban (García Bernal) is aware that his days as a professional boxer, known as “La Máquina”, are coming to an end. He’s no longer able to chase the fame of yesteryears. His body and mind just can’t keep up with the pace anymore.
For his supervisor, Andy (Luna), it’s evident that this situation is troublesome. Consequently, after Esteban suffers a crucial defeat against a rising star, Andy pushes for a return to form. However, this choice turns out to be risky as both individuals find themselves in the hands of unknown entities who seek repayment for an old debt that played a significant role in transforming “La Máquina” into the renowned and profitable fighter he once was. Now, that fighter may no longer exist.
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, the captivating series “La Máquina,” penned by Marco Ramirez and skillfully directed by Gabriel Ripstein, paints a vivid picture of sporting corruption in Mexico. However, beneath its intriguing facade, this show is more than just a tale of corruption; it’s a heartfelt exploration about learning to let go, understanding that resisting the march of time is futile, and instead finding solace in the transformations you can still orchestrate in your own life.
Luna clarifies, “I can discuss aging now because I’m experiencing it firsthand. I have children – my son is sixteen and my daughter fourteen. When I see them, it strikes me how much time has passed since I was their age. As I reflect on my career, I find myself reminiscing about events that happened over two decades ago.
Looking back while keeping an eye on the opportunities ahead inspires Luna. This “Y Tu Mamá También” and “Andor” actor has always seen his artistic role as one of consciously reflecting the world he sees, filled with vibrant personalities.
Andy exhibits a mix of sadness and comical characteristics. He’s a sensitive, overly dependent son who strives relentlessly to transform himself into a man admired and esteemed by others.
Luna mentions, “I believe this character will have you chuckling so hard that you might pause to wonder, ‘What’s the deal here?’
The clarity is most evident in the initial episode, as we observe Andy’s morning ritual: We see him don a wig and apply self-tanner. He pumps himself up before the mirror and even performs lip fillers – all while jamming to Christian Castro’s “No podrás.
Among the memorable scenes in the show, Luna particularly enjoys the montage. She finds it significant because it shows a point where he was present, yet concealed himself behind a mask. This sequence represents his methodology. In my opinion, it powerfully symbolizes the danger of allowing popularity machinery to dictate your achievements. In our current times, we commodify privacy. This character is always performing, around-the-clock.
In this role, Luna seems almost untraceable compared to his previous parts. Known for utilizing his youthful appearance to convincingly portray characters ranging from passionate teenagers, rebellious troublemakers, drug lords, and even soccer players, this performance as Andy represents a significant shift for the actor.
In reference to our upcoming joint project with García Bernal, I would express a desire to deviate from our usual approach. Instead, I plan to step out of my comfort zone and take on a risky endeavor, embracing an unfamiliar and challenging role.
Only he couldn’t have anticipated just how uncomfortable playing Andy would be.
He remarks with a chuckle, ‘Every day was uncomfortable.’ He explains that it involved long hours in a chair, and the prosthetics restricted his skin from breathing, essentially causing him to suffocate. This discomfort made eating difficult, so he had to use a straw. Consequently, he experienced shaking sensations throughout the day.
It was particularly beneficial for me to have a friend as my acting partner, since they truly understood the scenes. As Luna puts it, “It’s not always common to find someone who genuinely comprehends what you’re doing.
From London, Garcia Bernal confirms. “Initially, we assumed this experience was commonplace among everyone. But later on, we discovered it’s rather special and unusual,” he explains.
Ever since we were little lads, treading the boards together, our mothers – fellow actresses and confidantes – nurtured our creative spirits in the captivating realm of the stage. As brothers bound by kinship and shared dreams, it’s only fitting that we continue to bring stories to life. Luna shares a poignant sentiment: “There’s something truly unique about our bond, forged from the heart of family.
As a cinephile, I can’t quite put into words the essence of certain films; they remain indescribable yet captivating. Garcia Bernal echoes this sentiment when he says, “I find it hard to explain what it is, and perhaps it’s better not to know, better to be surprised every time.” We both share a belief that our cinematic pursuits are expressions of freedom – a journey of self-discovery and a quest for something transcendent. The beauty lies in witnessing how this shared meaning takes on different poetic forms with each unique creator.
In my admiration, I find myself drawn to “La Máquina,” a masterpiece that keeps me, and presumably others, on the edge of our seats. A captivating subplot in this series revolves around Irasema (played by Eiza González), Esteban’s former spouse who is a tenacious reporter. Her relentless pursuit to expose the manipulated games that have taken over the sport is not just a professional endeavor, but a mission that could put her and her loved ones in grave danger.
As for myself, I’ve always carried a sense of apprehension about the happenings around me, and the unknown future. Yet, this uncertainty hasn’t deterred me; instead, it’s fueled my quest to discover where I can contribute meaningfully, and be part of something that instills a deep sense of pride within me.
The beliefs he holds have been evident in the numerous projects Luna has overseen throughout his career, with many of these productions being released under their joint production company, La Corriente del Golfo, led by him and García Bernal. Recently, one of their latest ventures, Santiago Maza’s documentary “State of Silence,” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. Since 2019, Luna has been involved with this film, taking on the role as its backer when he was approached to support a project exposing the risks that journalists in Mexico face while uncovering the truth.
In Maza’s case, working on the docuseries “Bread and Circus,” Luna emerged as a dedicated partner with an infectious eagerness to learn about the world.
During our initial video call, Maza expressed admiration for how knowledgeable he found the other person. “Now,” he continues, “I realize why that was the case. His habits are clear to me now: he’s always engrossed in news or tuned into the radio. I remember during our conversation about politics and current events, I thought, ‘Wow, this individual is incredibly well-informed.’
Originally planned as a TV series, “State of Silence” was initially backed by Luna for its pilot episode. However, no network agreed to produce it. Later, by 2022, Maza restructured the project into a standalone feature film. This new version was independently funded by Corriente del Golfo, with additional support from the Ford Foundation and Luminate.
Recently acquired by Netflix, the documentary offers a harrowing and urgent portrait of the violence journalists in Mexico have come to expect when reporting on everything from cartel shootings to local corruption. That it arrives the same year as “La Máquina” speaks to the type of work Luna devotes his time to.
As a film enthusiast, I’m excited to spill the beans about a fascinating tidbit. Diego and Gael have an uncanny knack for it – crafting entertainment that doesn’t just entertain, but also enriches, educates, and awakens us. They’ve been doing this throughout their illustrious careers. Now, they each have two unique projects underway. Though different in appearance, these works skillfully contribute brushstrokes to a vibrant portrait of modern Mexico.
If there’s a guiding principle behind Luna’s professional journey, it’s that he strongly feels the importance of the tales he shares, and that his dedication lies in ensuring the message his work conveys resonates deeply with him.
Luna explains, “You devote a lot of mental energy to planning it, persuading others to participate, executing it, and advertising it. Therefore, it’s significant that it has an impact.
He expresses his conviction that particular tales have the power to alter your viewpoint. He emphasizes that this is a notion you should keep in mind as you embark on this role, as it may offer solace and make you proud to others. In this pursuit, there will undoubtedly be numerous instances of failure. You will fail often. However, it’s the journey that truly counts.
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2024-10-02 13:31