Miguel Bernardeau on his final day of ‘La bola negra’: “I felt I was with García Lorca
Actor Miguel Bernardeau habló de su trabajo en la película La bola negra y de una escena con una frase de Federico García Lorca dirigida a Rafael Rodríguez Rapún, recordando la sensación de estar sentado con el poeta en una mesa.
Filming the Final Scene in La bola negra
Bernardeau spent his final day on set filming a specific interaction between his character, Rafael Rodríguez Rapún, and the poet Federico García Lorca. The actor acknowledged that discussing the experience publicly might draw criticism, stating that he felt he was sharing a table with García Lorca in a moment he described as magical. Prior to shooting, Bernardeau prepared for the role through conversations with directors Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, known professionally as Los Javis, who guided him through the dynamics of the relationship between the poet and his secretary.
The production of La bola negra centers on the Spanish Civil War, García Lorca, and three primary homosexual characters. Infobae reported that the film recently held a screening at the San Sebastián Film Festival following a prize at the Toronto International Film Festival, positioning the project prominently within the contemporary cinematic landscape.
Contasting Production Details Across Outlets
Coverage of La bola negra highlights different aspects of its festival run and background through various publications. Infobae noted that the feature received a strong reception in San Sebastián alongside its recognition in Toronto, while fakta.co reported that the underlying stage play, Alberto Conejero’s La piedra oscura, previously earned a best direction prize and a twenty-minute ovation at the Festival de Cannes.
The film explores the historical figure of Rafael Rodríguez Rapún, who served as secretary for the university theater group La Barraca and later enlisted to defend the Second Republic following the assassination of García Lorca. In the film adaptation, Bernardeau shares screen time with musician Guitarricadelafuente, who portrays a soldier named Sebastián. Fakta.co noted that the cast participated in script readings at the production offices of Suma Content in Madrid before embarking on a forty-five-day shooting schedule.
Bernardeau Credits Preparation over Family Connections for Longevity
Reflecting on his broader career choices, Bernardeau explained that he deliberately seeks challenging roles that carry the risk of failure after appearing in the miniseries Querer. Fakta.co reported that the actor addressed his entry into the industry in an interview with Vanity Fair, acknowledging the professional platform provided by his parents, actress Ana Duato and producer Miguel Ángel Bernardeau. While admitting the initial advantages of his background, the actor emphasized that professional longevity requires rigorous preparation and personal effort rather than family connections alone.
Production on La bola negra concluded following months of detailed historical study into the life of Rapún, an engineer and athlete who died at a field hospital in Santander in August 1937. Bernardeau noted that the project fundamentally altered his perspective, leaving an enduring personal impact that extended well beyond the final cut of the film.
