Rebelde Magazine
August 2007



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Diego talks about his latest film, The Night Buffalo

Diego, what can you tell us about your character in this story?

I play Manuel, who has a friend who is schizophrenic, (named) Gregorio (Gabriel Gonzalez), who has spent some time in a psychiatric hospital. While he’s a patient there, I start a relationship with his girlfriend, Tania (Liz Gallardo). When he is released, we resume our friendship but when he finds out about the betrayal, he ends up taking a trip to the other side. Manuel already overwhelmed because of his feelings of hurt and guilt, falls into madness.

You play a role that’s really heavy. Did it take a lot of time to fully grasp it?

I’m telling you that it was so intense that it ended up affecting me physically and mentally… I experimented with old feelings close to me and happiness and neurosis. The hard part was getting Manuel out of me; there were times where I couldn’t sleep. It was a very difficult time, as a matter of fact I started experiencing skin irritations like an impressive neurosis. I don’t know how my friends put up with it.

So then this character was like looking in a mirror?

Manuel is a guy who has a hard time feeling. Apparently it’s very hard but also very extreme. I am very calm. I enjoyed it, but it also scared me to find Manuel inside of me. Implementing this work system (to give it life) was the most emotional thing of all.

This movie is based on a book of the same name by Guillermo Arriaga. When did you read it?

In 1999, when I worked with Arriaga in “Un Dulce Olor A Muerte” ("A Sweet Scent of Death"), another cinematic adaptation of another of his works. I loved the anecdote of the book and I thought that it definitely would be a great movie; I was sure of that. That motivated me to participate in this project as an actor and a producer.

How would you define the cinematic process that you lived with “The Night Buffalo”?

It was like being on a roller coaster, where I experimented with so many emotions. The role of a producer is really intense, very emotional. I am extremely proud of this film. It has the blood and guts of a lot of people.

How do you see yourself in the future? Always in movies?

With children and living peacefully. I see myself leaving acting and also I love producing and I would love to own a ranch. I don’t want to die on screen, but in my house; peaceful and with the Pumas as champions.

What upcoming plans are there for your production company Canana?

I’m going to produce, along with my friend Gael Garcia, a movie about the Mara Salvatrucha.  Also I’m going to support the realization of the film “Voy A Explotar” ("I’ll Explode") from Gerardo Naranjo. There’s another project where we’re going over different ideas and possibilities.

Article translated by Brookd