Antonio Resines: The Actor Who Doesn't Drive

Born in Torrelavega in 1954, Antonio Resines decided from a young age that his destiny was not anchored to a single place. Madrid became his primary stage, first as a student and later as a home for his career in film and television, which he embraced as a life-changing pursuit.

Over four decades, Resines has left an indelible mark on the seventh art with more than 150 productions. His filmography includes notable titles such as Ópera prima, La colmena, Sé infiel y no mires con quién, and La buena estrella, for which he won a Goya Award. He also starred in Dos mejor que uno, La caja 507, and the unforgettable Amanece que no es poco, directed by José Luis Cuerda.

Despite his extensive travels and time on film sets, the actor has a unique personal limitation: he does not drive. Resines has never obtained a driver's license, a fact he openly discusses. He relies entirely on his wife for transportation, a dynamic he describes with humor and practicality.

When they are on the road, his wife handles all driving duties. Resines, meanwhile, occupies himself with other tasks. He notes that he provides conversation or manages the smaller details of the journey, such as offering water or changing the music. This arrangement has become a standard part of their life together.

"Conduce siempre mi mujer, yo doy conversación o me ocupo de acercar el agua, cambiar la música y esas cosas."

While Resines may not drive on public roads, he has been behind the wheel in professional settings. He recounted a terrifying experience that occurred during a film shoot in Catalonia. The incident took place on a road in Roses, a location that became the site of a life-threatening moment for the actor.

Resines described the event as a moment where he "almost killed himself." While navigating a curve, he made the decision to reverse his vehicle. This maneuver proved disastrous as he was on a precarious section of the road. The car began to slide backward toward the edge of a steep drop.

The situation escalated rapidly as the vehicle approached the precipice of a barranco (ravine). Resines managed to stop just before going over the edge, averted a catastrophe by mere inches. The memory of that moment remains vivid, highlighting the dangers that can accompany film production in remote or challenging locations.

Resines' career is defined by his versatility and dedication to the craft. His ability to navigate complex roles and diverse genres has made him a respected figure in Spanish cinema. From comedy to drama, his performances have consistently resonated with audiences and critics alike.

The actor's collaboration with José Luis Cuerda on Amanece que no es poco remains a highlight of his career. The film is celebrated for its unique humor and distinctive style, cementing Resines' status as a leading talent. His work in La buena estrella further demonstrated his dramatic range, earning him the industry's highest honor.

Despite the accolades and the sheer volume of his work, Resines maintains a grounded perspective on his life and career. He balances his professional commitments with a personal life that, while largely private, includes the simple reality of depending on his wife for mobility.

Antonio Resines represents a generation of Spanish actors who built their careers on consistency and passion. His story is not just one of cinematic success but also of personal idiosyncrasies that make him relatable. The fact that a man who has traveled the world for film shoots does not drive adds a layer of humanity to his public persona.

The near-miss in Roses serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in filmmaking, even for seasoned professionals. It underscores the unpredictable nature of location shoots and the importance of safety. For Resines, it remains a defining anecdote of a long and storied career.

As he continues to contribute to the Spanish film industry, his legacy is secured by his extensive body of work and the memorable characters he has brought to life. Whether on screen or as a passenger in his wife's car, Antonio Resines continues his journey, leaving a trail of cinematic history and personal stories behind him.