An unusual premise
Pepe, a man considered a good guy, receives a fatal diagnosis from a doctor. Faced with the imminence of his death, he decides to take an unusual path: becoming someone despicable so that no one can miss him. This peculiar premise is the central axis of the Catalan production Mala persona, a comedy that reaches cinemas with a spirit reminiscent of Bruguera’s comics and post-war Italian comedy, in the vein of actors such as Sordi, Gassman or Mastroianni. It even resembles a portrait of picaresque Spain that could well have been conceived by the great Rafael Azcona.
The lure of the dark side
The film surprises with its use of humor, its transgressive intention and the reflection it raises about a society that seems to punish those who embrace kindness. In addition, it stands out for a cast of inspired actors, among them, Jose Corbacho, Malena Alterio and Julián Villagrán, who play roles that contribute to the plot in a notable way.
The challenge of duality
Arturo Valls, who plays Pepe in the film, recognizes the influence of Rafael Azcona on the production and the importance of exploring human miseries through humor. The film addresses the duality of the human being, showing how evil can be attractive and how, sometimes, goodness is punished by society.
The actor behind the character
Arturo Valls, known for his participation in television programs, demonstrates his versatility by playing Pepe, a character that challenges his acting skills. Valls reflects on the prejudices he faces as an actor and his interest in participating in projects that challenge the public’s expectations.
The commitment to independent cinema
Valls, in addition to his work as an actor, is involved in the production of risky film projects that seek to offer a unique experience to the viewer. He highlights his support for independent films that seek to maintain their identity and originality in a market dominated by commercial productions.
Controversy and humor
In the face of criticism about political correctness in humor, Valls defends the importance of context when addressing controversial topics. He believes that humor can be a powerful tool as long as it is justified and used with sensitivity, avoiding gratuitous mockery.