As a film critic with a deep appreciation for authentic performances and poignant storytelling, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Carmen Maura and Eva Longoria in action on set. Their chemistry was electric, and their ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama left me utterly captivated.
Spain’s wine regions offer an unmatched experience for finding oneself, and they also make an ideal setting for filming a television show, as Eva Longoria can attest.
As a passionate film lover, I’m thrilled to share that over a decade has passed since we last saw this talented actor gracing our screens, and now she’s back! This time, she takes center stage in her debut leading role with the captivating series “Land of Women,” set to premiere on Apple TV+ starting Wednesday.
Longoria, who holds an executive producer role on the show, had been longing to act again for some time. During her frequent stays in Spain, she began to imagine a project that would allow her to shoot there. She reached out to her friend Ramón Campos, a co-creator of international successes like “Velvet,” “Cable Girls,” and “Gran Hotel.” With the idea of “Under the Tuscan Sun” in mind but set in Spain’s vineyards, she shared her thoughts.
As a film enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new Spanish novel I recently discovered: “La tierra de las mujeres” by Sandra Barneda. A few weeks after getting my hands on this bestselling book, I found myself excitedly collaborating with Gema R. Neira and Paula Fernández to develop an intriguing concept. With the captivating story of this novel serving as our inspiration, we set out to explore the journey of three generations of women who encounter unexpected challenges upon arriving in a small town that isn’t quite as welcoming as they had anticipated.
When New York socialite Gala (Longoria) discovers that her husband is in debt to some dangerous individuals who are now pursuing him, she remembers a hidden refuge from her past. Decades ago, her mother had sought sanctuary in a Spanish town during a similar crisis. In a state of urgency, Gala takes her daughter Kate (newcomer Bazúa) out of school and her mother Julia (Maura) from her retirement home to escape to this secret location.
Three individuals reach Catalonia, a region where a woman-owned vineyard serves as the picturesque setting for their quests to rebuild their lives. However, hidden familial issues and malicious town rumors, along with two dangerous men on their tail, may obstruct their second chances before they even begin.
In “Land of Women,” Longoria subtly reinterprets her iconic character from the past, paying homage to Maura’s renowned film role. Gala, portrayed by Longoria, is on the brink of a mental collapse as she arrives in La Muga, wearing unsuitable heels and driving a dilapidated car. Contrary to expectations, this isn’t a warm welcome home. To make matters worse, Gala must relearn the language after living abroad for an extended period. This linguistic hurdle was a personal experience that Longoria had to conquer as well.
As a movie reviewer, I can tell you that making a comedy debut in a new language was both an enjoyable experience and a challenging one for me. The rhythm and timing of humor in another tongue proved to be quite distinct, leaving me questioning if the jokes were indeed amusing or if it was simply my delivery that needed work.
“Acting alongside Carmen Maura was truly intimidating for me,” Longoria shares, acknowledging her as the “Meryl Streep of Spanish cinema.” “Her esteemed reputation leaves me in awe. I’m a huge fan and admirer of hers, she’s the best part of the production for me.”
Maura, the esteemed actor who has won a Goya award and is famous for being Pedro Almodóvar’s earliest inspiration and for her roles in films like “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” and “Volver,” finds it difficult to express great enthusiasm about her own work in the series. With nearly five decades of acting experience under her belt, she has been gracing the screen for an impressive length of time.
Despite her eagerness for novel experiences, Maura admits that producing television dramas feels tedious to her: “It’s a chore,” she shares with The Times during a call from Spain. She finds the repetitive nature of episodic TV, where she is required to engage in lengthy storytelling arcs for characters, quite exhausting.
The allure of “Land of Women” for Maura isn’t much unlike what initially attracted Longoria to the production: an intriguing character and, more practically, a stunning shooting site. For a long time, Maura has felt most connected to rural areas. As she puts it, “This part of Catalonia is simply enchanting. The sunsets are extraordinary. And the powerful winds add a sense of untamed beauty that truly resonates with me.”
Maura and Longoria are joined on the set by newcomer Bazúa, portraying Gala’s trans daughter Kate. An angst-ridden teenager, Kate must part with her girlfriend and art school due to her parents’ unfortunate choices. The debuting Mexican model-actor, who captivated both colleagues with her composure and abilities, came into the production unaware of her co-stars’ identities, yet this lack of knowledge proved advantageous.
As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “I must admit, that feeling is so typical of my Gen Z upbringing. Yet, let me clarify, we come from different eras. When I landed the role, I was completely clueless about who Eva was. Interestingly enough, our lack of prior knowledge brought us closer together during the filmmaking process.”
Maura found the production of such a high-caliber series to be an overpowering experience. “Things have really shifted since then,” Maura shares. While she’s hesitant to discuss “Land of Women” before its release, she looks back on the experience with a blend of nostalgia and trepidation.
She recalls her initial surprise upon arriving at the film set, assuming it would be just the director and actors present for rehearsals. However, each person brought their own entourage with them. Confused, she approached the director and asked, “So when everyone leaves, we can discuss the character in depth?” To which he replied, “Carmen, they’re not going anywhere.”
“After realizing it would be filmed for global viewing,” she expressed with a colloquial flair using the phrase “hasta el quinto coño,” – added an extra dose of apprehension. However, her humorous side emerged, almost compelling her to jot down the amusing events. It was all quite comical, reminding her of our past shooting experiences which she still cherishes.
Julia derived the greatest pleasure from filming parts that demanded a raw, unpretentious approach to movie-making, which she was fond of. She felt most comfortable while shooting a scene where she had to wade out – fully dressed – into a roadside pool of water. In this scene, we see Julia, who’s dealing with dementia, reminiscing about her rebellious past. She used to sneak away with attractive young men for secret swims in these very waters, despite the social norms that discouraged such behavior.
Maura found herself reliving a long-held dream of her bold and unconventional self in yet another instance, immersed in the rich, carefree past she yearned for. Amidst the production team clad in scuba equipment and her costars, she was the one reveling in the icy waters, leaving her peers in awe.
As a film enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by Maura’s unique ability to infuse her work with raw authenticity and a sense of daring. She unapologetically declares, “Whatever has consumed me throughout my life, it had to ring true.” No matter the path she chooses, she is relentless in her pursuit of truth. The thought of delivering a false performance leaves her uncomfortable, so she puts in the necessary effort to ensure every moment on screen resonates honestly with both herself and the audience.
Julia’s agility and playfulness are evident in her actions, just as her mischievous grin frequently irritates uptight Gala. As her grasp on reality weakens, Julia realizes she requires nurturing like a child. This role serves as further proof of Maura’s ability to portray raw honesty in her acting. Additionally, it underscores the compatibility between Maura and Longoria.
Having seen both actors at work, Campos knew he’d struck gold.
“He points out the stark contrast between the two. Yet, they possess a deep self-awareness. In my mind, they are like Ferraris, or football star Messi. A scene with Carmen and Eva might begin as a comedy, unexpectedly shift to drama, evoking strong emotions, before returning to comedy – all in quick succession. The ability of these two actresses from distinct generations to pull off such a dynamic performance was truly remarkable.”
Bazúa’s role became even more crucial because she needed to complement Longoria and Maura’s performances while also introducing a fresh, younger perspective as the character Kate in the show.
In “Country of Women,” as Campos understood, it was essential to keep everyone in the family engaged. The audience would be treated to Julia’s melodramatic storyline and her tumultuous connection with La Muga. They would also enjoy the romantic comedy between Gala and the charming winery worker, Santiago Cabrera. Lastly, Kate’s journey would provide a heartwarming coming-of-age tale, reflecting both her mother’s and grandmother’s experiences.
From the beginning, I understood that the part required an authentic trans actress. Additionally, the production team sought a young woman who had already transitioned and could blend seamlessly into a rural Catalonian town. Fortunately, Bazúa perfectly matched their description. “This role was made for me,” I thought. “It’s a trans girl character. She’s Mexican American, a teen with a dry wit and sarcasm. I identified so strongly with this description that I couldn’t help but feel drawn to it.”
As someone who has spent years observing and analyzing film and television performances, I can assure you that Bazúa is not just playing a character on screen when it comes to her portrayal of a lesbian character. Her deep understanding and authentic connection to the role stem from her personal experiences and identities.
Instead of her character being introverted and quiet, Bazúa herself is unfazed and self-assured when expressing her views.
“She’s currently navigating the journey of asserting herself,” she explains. “I don’t take offense when people comment on me. Kate is in the process of becoming more self-assured, gaining strength from Gala.”
As a film enthusiast, I can relate to Bazúa’s experience of finding inner strength at an early age. Unlike her character portrayed in the stories, I was frequently bullied by teachers and peers during my school days. However, I came to understand that people’s opinions are not always reflective of reality. It took me a while to recognize that what truly matters is my self-perception and understanding of who I am as an individual. So, even when faced with negative comments or actions from others, remember that it’s essential to stay true to ourselves and believe in our own worth.
In “Land of Women,” there’s a powerful theme that resonates. These three women, accustomed to their comfortable lives in the US, are compelled to discover their inner strength and ultimately uncover their true selves.
“According to Longoria, the pilot arranges for us to conceal ourselves. In a rush, we scramble out and seek shelter. The twist, though, is that despite being discovered, we unearth something unexpected: ourselves, our unique voices, and hidden talents.”
In a lighthearted, romantic comedy-drama bathed in sunlight, a profound and thought-provoking message is subtly concealed, offering comfort and relief from the harsh realities of contemporary TV programming.
Longoria shares, “Currently, I’m engrossed in TV shows depicting bleak futures where the world is ending, governments crumble, and robots rule. These scenes leave me feeling uneasy and anxious. Instead, I yearn for a change of pace – something that takes me away from reality. I’m looking for romance and breathtaking scenery. That’s what we aim to deliver.”
“And then, you get wine porn.”
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2024-07-18 20:07