Salma Hayek Pinault, a versatile and a gifted actress, has mesmerized audiences from all over the globe due to her inclusive performances. From the film «Desperado» to the film «Frida», where she was nominated for Academy award for her role as Frida Kahlo, Hayek has constantly produced remarkable and unforgettable portrayals. In this article, we will unveil the 7 greatest films exposing her magnificent genius as an actress.
1. Desperado (1995)
In the action packed movie «Desperado» directed by Robert Rodriguez, Hayek takes the screen alongside Antonio Banders as the smart and practical Carolina in the bookstore. In this film Hayek’s performance was a breakthrough in Hollywood, and she mesmerized the audience by her beauty, charm and fighting spirit. Hayek overwhelmed everyone on the screen, amazed the audience, and reached a new height of her career.
The flick features the gunslinger and musician, El Mariachi (Banderas), that he goes back to a small town in Mexico in search of a vengeance to the drug lord. As he advances, he comes across Carolina who is his friend and his love interest. In Hayeks portrayal Carolina demonstrates how she is able to maintain strength and show vulnerability at the same time, resulting in her being a memorable and favorite character in the action genre.
2. From dusk till dawn (1996)
In the beautiful and almost forgotten icon «From Dusk Till Dawn» directed by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, Hayek gives an outstanding interpretation of Santanico Pandemonium, the alluring vampire queen. The movie is about the two brothers, who happen to be George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino, shooting a film inside a strip club and they are attacked by bloodthirsty vampires.
Hayek mesmerizing as Santanico Pandemonium is just superb. From seductive dance moves to her spookiness aura, she owns the screen with all of her presence. This movie endorses her knack of portraying difficult and intricate roles in a way that has a lasting effect on the viewers.
3. Frida (2002)
Taymor, the director of «Frida» describes in a biographical drama how a Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, lived. Salma Hayek flawlessly plays the role of Frida Kahlo — the multifaceted human being — projecting both her physical and emotional struggles. Hayek, in turn, won the award and gained the coveted nomination as Best Actress.
On this film, Hayek explores in detail the inner turmoil of Frida Kahlo's life, capturing her physical pain, artistic flair and tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, played by Alfred Molina. Hayek's portrayal is honest, emotional, and deeply personal, creating the sense that one is truly in the presence of Barnum the showman.
4. Beatriz at Dinner (2017)
In «Beatriz at Dinner» directed by Miguel Arteta, Hayek gives a beautiful performance as Beatriz, who is an empathic and subtle masseuse. The film revolves around a dinner party where Beatriz becomes embroiled in interesting debates with the wealthy guests that she eventually questions their values and exposes their social divide.
Hayek’s depiction of Beatriz is many-sided and endowed with profound emotion, showing the contradictory feelings of a woman who, despite her real sympathy, confronts a world full of cruelty. Her work in «Beatriz at Dinner» illustrates her range for bringing depth and realism to her portrayal of characters, which makes it stand out among the audience after the viewing.
5. Savages (2012)
In Oliver Stone's crime thriller «Savages», Hayek portrays the character of Elena «La Reina» Sánchez, the most powerful leader of a Mexican cartel. The film tells us the story of two growers of cannabis, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Taylor Kitsch, who go into a toxic net of murder and betrayal when their shared girlfriend is taken by Elena’s cartel.
Hayek's Elena is a memorable character, in terms of both practicality and moral ambiguity, as she is capable of portraying complex world. Salma's performance in «Savages» gave the movie an additional level of intensity, which remains vivid even after the film ends.
6. Bandidas (2006)
In the Western action-comedy «Bandidas» Hayek teams up with Penélope Cruz to portray Sara Sandoval, a wealthy and highly educated woman seeking revenge.The film follows Sara and María Álvarez (Cruz) as they become unlikely partners in crime, robbing banks to reclaim stolen land.
Hayek's chemistry with Cruz is palpable, and their on-screen dynamic adds a layer of humor and excitement to the film.Her performance in «Bandidas» showcases her ability to bring wit and charm to her characters, making them both relatable and captivating.
7. Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
In the action thriller «Once Upon a Time in Mexico» Hayek reprises her role as Carolina in Robert Rodriguez's final installment of the El Mariachi trilogy.The film follows El Mariachi (Banderas) as he becomes entangled in a web of corruption and revenge.
Hayek's portrayal of Carolina adds depth and emotion to the film, providing a heartfelt connection to El Mariachi's journey.Her performance in «Once Upon a Time in Mexico» showcases her ability to bring humanity and vulnerability to her characters, elevating the film to new heights.
