Maria Bakalova: The Rising Star of Hollywood
Maria Bakalova, a 28-year-old Bulgarian actress, has been making waves in the entertainment industry with her fearless performances and daring roles. From her breakout role in Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat Subsequent Moviefilm to her latest portrayal of Ivana Trump in The Apprentice , Bakalova has consistently pushed the boundaries of acting, leaving audiences and critics alike in awe.
Bakalova's journey to stardom began with her role as Borat's daughter in the 2020 film Borat Subsequent Moviefilm . The movie, which premiered just 11 days before the 2020 presidential election, featured an infamous scene where Bakalova's character, Tutar, convinces Rudy Giuliani to fiddle with his crotch on camera. This scene, which has been widely discussed and scrutinized, marked a turning point in Bakalova's career, showcasing her ability to navigate complex and often uncomfortable situations with ease.
In an interview with Air Mail , Bakalova shared her thoughts on the infamous Giuliani scene. She revealed that she knew it would be something that people would pay attention to, given her commitment to meeting and interviewing world-famous politicians. Bakalova explained, 'I knew it was gonna be something that people will pay attention for sure. Because ever since I joined the project, I made a commitment that I'm gonna meet some politician, somebody that is gonna be world famous, and I was gonna be able to do it.' Despite the initial nervousness, Bakalova's performance in the scene was praised for its authenticity and boldness.
Bakalova's latest role as Ivana Trump in The Apprentice has further solidified her position as a versatile and daring actress. The film, directed by Ali Abbasi, delves into the complexities of Ivana's life, particularly her relationship with Donald Trump and her struggles against his mentor, Roy Cohn. In an interview with The Washington Post , Bakalova discussed her approach to playing Ivana, stating, 'I didn't know much about Ivana's life when she was young before this project, so I came to the script clean.' She aimed to portray Ivana with dignity, emphasizing the need to find someone audiences could empathize with.
One of the most powerful moments in The Apprentice is when Ivana and Roy unite against Donald Trump, who is depicted as a version of Frankenstein's monster. This scene highlights the deep-seated conflicts within the Trump family and their relationships. Bakalova's portrayal of these intense moments has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. She noted, 'When we first meet Roy and Ivana, they're enemies because they're fighting over Donald in this polyamorous relationship. It makes me shake when I watch it.'
The film also explores the alleged rape of Ivana by Donald Trump, a scene that was difficult for Bakalova to read and perform. She explained, 'It always existed in the script. It was difficult to read, difficult to do, and it's difficult to watch. It's disgusting, it's gross, it's painful, but I think it was my responsibility to portray it as realistically as possible.' This scene underscores Bakalova's commitment to portraying complex and often disturbing themes with honesty.
Bakalova's approach to acting is characterized by her sensitivity and daring. In an interview with Air Mail , she discussed her philosophy on acting, saying, 'I... am daring, Jesus Christ I always feel, whether it's real life or acting, that if you're given the chance, you have to dare to jump, because metaphorically, you can start flying if you jump high enough. But if you continue walking, you might fall on flat ground.' This mindset has led her to take on roles that challenge her both personally and professionally.
Bakalova's background in Bulgaria has also influenced her approach to acting. She mentioned a Bulgarian saying, 'You don't get a headache if you try.' This phrase has become a motto for her life, reflecting her willingness to take risks and push boundaries. She even has a tattoo on her leg that says 'Cap ou pas cap?', which means 'Do you dare or not?' This tattoo symbolizes her commitment to daring and trying new things.
In conclusion, Maria Bakalova is an actress who embodies the spirit of daring and authenticity. From her breakout role in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm to her latest portrayal of Ivana Trump in The Apprentice , she has consistently demonstrated her ability to navigate complex and often uncomfortable situations with ease. Her commitment to portraying complex themes with honesty has earned her critical acclaim and a place among the rising stars of Hollywood.
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