In the upcoming Ridley Scott film “The Counselor,” said to be an Oscar bait for 2014, Javier Bardem comes out for his next big role. This motion-picture thriller features him with a spiky black hair that renders him almost unrecognizable at first sight.
The production showcases an all-star cast led by Michael Fassbender playing the titular part. Bardem is joined by a “dream team” of A-list cast in supporting roles including Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, and his real-life spouse Penelope Cruz. Basing it from the set photos, it is quite noticeable that only Bardem sports an extreme hair makeover from the famed actors on board.
A Seeming Trend
Looks like Bardem is starting a transformation trend after his Academy Award-winning villain character in “No Country for Old Men.” Since then, his high-profile projects have required him to drastically change hairstyles. In the said Coen Brothers dramatic thriller, his sinister and offbeat bowl-cut hair contributed to the iconic stance of his villainous Anton Chigurh. Meanwhile, his “Skyfall” villain Silva marked him with a strangely goofy and creepy bottle-blond hair. This time, he is spotted on “The Counselor” set with a Jersey Shore reject and Dragonball Z hybrid look through his spiky hairdo. Consequently, it is as if he is trying to top his prior hairstyle with every new film where he stars as a villain.
A High-profile Project
Bardem’s yet another bizarre physical appearance as what looks like a drug dealer and a cold-blooded antagonist clearly makes enough room for curiosity. But beyond the crazy yet menacing factor this new role exudes for the film, there is another crucial thing that helps crank up the value of the project, which is slated for release on November 2013. Early on in the production, this cinematic offering readily promotes a very high-profile creative team. Not only does it have an esteemed director, an award-winning crew, and a stellar cast, it also boasts Pulitzer Prize-winning author Cormac McCarthy in his first foray into writing directly for the screen.
The buzz about the project suggests the story of the struggles of a lawyer who detours into the drug world for fast money. Soon, he finds himself embroiled in a pretty messed up drug-trafficking operation.
Another McCarthy Work Starring Bardem
The last time Bardem played a part envisioned by McCarthy, best known in the film industry as the novelist behind the critically acclaimed screen adaptations “No Country for Old Men” and “The Road,” he won an Academy Award. This makes “The Counselor” an interesting project for him as the audience expects him in another violent villain role, McCarthy-style. Considering McCarthy’s panache for wit and humor and his knack for muscular and obsession themes, this project may be another powerful and disturbing piece that many people can look forward to.
