Javier Bardem has described his role in new movie Biutiful as one of the most complex and draining role that he has ever tackled.
The Oscar winning actor has teamed up with filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu for the movie, his first since starring alongside Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love.
And the actor admits that at some points that role was an emotional struggle.
Speaking to The AP the actor said: "[My character in Biutiful was] the most emotionally complex that I've ever portrayed.
"There are many layers and there are many open doors in his life, places that he has to come in and get out of... There are many departments going on."
"You need a lot of focus and attention and concentration and also the ability to be vulnerable. Sometimes you feel like you're in control; sometimes the role is in control of you."
The movie, and Bardem's central performance, have been critically acclaimed and he picked up a Best actor Bafta nod last week.
The actor has already completed work on an untitled Terrence Malick project and has been linked to Cogan's Trade and The Galapagos Affair.
Biutiful is released 28th January.
Tagged in Javier Bardem