The Gael hype only grew when, as a presenter at the 2003 Oscars, he threw out the Academy's text and read an antiwar statement paraphrasing Frida Kahlo instead. That gesture offered a glimpse of the actor's strong convictions, which have led him to steadfastly refuse the stereotypical parts Hollywood has offered: crooks, gangsters, or ''the good Latino from East L.A. who goes to Malibu for a better future,'' he says. ''I don't [act] to make a business out of it, I do it because the films are gonna be good.''
Besides, García Bernal is thriving without Hollywood. At the moment, he is editing his directorial debut, Deficit, about rich Mexican kids facing ''the end of impunity.'' It's the first project from Canana Films, the production company García Bernal and Luna helped launch. Over the summer, he's heading to Brazil and Argentina to shoot the romantic drama El Pasado. Then this fall he'll be back in theaters costarring alongside Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in Babel, a tale of intertwined tragedies from Perros director Alejandro González Iñárritu. If García Bernal appears all over the map, that's simply a testament to his success. ''I just want to keep on doing what I like — developing stories, traveling, dreaming of living in other places,'' he says. ''I want to keep up that insanity. It's one of the healthiest things I can do for myself.''
Gael García Bernal's Must List
The actor's favorite flicks, books, discs, and fútbol teams.
'Team America: World Police' 2004
''Oh man, I laughed so much! I love when they make fun of the actors! I
love it!''
'La Jaula de la Melancolëa' 1987
''This book by Roger Bartra about Latin America is beautiful. And it's a
great title [The Cage of Melancholy].''
Peter Sellers
''He's fantastic. All his movies are great. Even if they're serious, like
Being There, I laughed. ''
'Hunky Dory' 1971
''My dad listened to this David Bowie album when I was a kid. I know all
the songs by heart.''
Team Mexico
''I only watch TV for fútbol. And obviously, I'll follow Iran in the
World Cup. No!'' the actor jokes. ''Mexico! ''
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