Penelope Cruz (at right) has had her share of  paparazzi interest, and she has some tough things to say about the practice of shoving cameras in people’s faces. “I’m not talking about something personal,” the star of Vicky Cristina Barcelona tells our Nancy Mills, although she was certainly followed around when she and Tom Cruise were an item.  “And I’m not complaining lightly.  It affects society in a deeper way.  It affects ethics. It affects the very basic rules of survival and respect.  I think it’s a very serious thing.  It wasn’t like this 15 or 20 years ago.  It was there, but it’s been getting worse.”

As a result, Cruz tries to keep her private life more private than ever.  She now speaks English well enough to not let anything slip.  Although she is  starring opposite Javier Bardem, reportedly her current boyfriend, in Vicky Cristina, she won’t discuss it.  “I have a right to keep things for myself and do the best I can and try not to be affected by everyone analyzing my personal life,” she says.  “I don’t think it gets in the way of work. You are safe if you work hard and keep learning. That’s the only thing that will save you.”   

(photo courtesy vickycristina-movie.com)