Painting a picture of genius
Following the success of Genius, National Geographic returns with a second instalment of the docudrama anthology – this time with Antonio Banderas playing Picasso, writes Debashine Thangevelo
PABLO Picasso is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His work didn’t only have a significant impact on the advancement of modern art, it influenced generations of artists.
And he is the subject matter for National Geographic’s new instalment of Genius. In the first season, which centred on Albert Einstein, Geoffrey Rush breathed life into the title character with commendable conviction, and Antonio Banderas does the same for Picasso. In filling the shoes of this legendary figure, Banderas has also developed a more intimate understanding of his creative genius.
Banderas says: “The crew and I have been trying to describe or define what a genius is. It’s not easy. I suppose that it is somebody who does something very good that affects a very large number of people in the world – someone who has the capacity to change lives for good. Einstein was in that group of people. I think Picasso is too, insomuch as we get affected by art and artists. “They can change our lives and the perception that we have, and the reality that we live in.” On why he agreed to the role, he offers: “It has a lot to do with Málaga, where I was born and where Picasso was born too. He left Málaga a little bit younger than I did. We were, are, both artists, but I cannot compare myself with him. Nobody can.
“I was offered to play Picasso when I was younger. Something said to me, ‘No, no. You shouldn’t get in those shoes.’ This particular time, it came with guarantees that we were going to tell the story as accurately to what his life was; his relationship with art and the world in which he was living.”
Authentic depictions are as important as the location for such a show. And that’s why footage was shot in Málaga.
“I insisted on it! I brought Ken Biller (executive producer and show runner) to Málaga, and I took