By Divya Rajagopal and Omar Younis TORONTO, Sept 9 - Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek sent movie fans into a frenzy at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday when the two megastars walked the red carpet for "Without Blood," a parable about the cycle of violence, revenge and memory. The movie, which is Jolie's fifth credit as director, explores the horrors of war through an encounter between a victim and perpetrator long afterwards. As her leading lady, Jolie cast Hayek, a close friend.
Demian Bichir, who like Hayek starred in Mexican telenovelas before appearing in Hollywood productions, plays her counterpart in Jolie's meditation on the impact of war. Jolie and Hayek developed a close bond when they both appeared in Marvel Studios’ "Eternals," a 2021 action fantasy, and their friendship has endured. "It's an incredible year for Angie," said Hayek about Jolie, who made waves at the Venice Film Festival last month with her performance as legendary opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain's "Maria".
"Without Blood" - adapted for the screen by Jolie from Italian author Alessandro Baricco's novel of the same name - is set in the aftermath of an unidentified conflict. Written, directed and produced by Jolie, and shot at Rome's Cinecitta Studios, most of the film takes place in a single room, punctuated by flashback scenes. Bichir, who was nominated for an Academy Award as "Best Actor" for his role in 2011's "A Better Life," said "Without Blood," was one of the most di.