The crowds of people hovering at Madrid's theatre complex to see Viggo Mortensen and David Cronenberg and their newest movie, A History of Violence, have been waiting more than an hour and a half to snare the best spots behind security barriers, while awaiting the appearance of one of the stars of a movie that is already being billed as one of the best of this year.

Careful security measures keep fans from overflowing into the theatre when the movie stars arrive. Díaz Yanes is one of the first to climb the stairs to the theatre, but not before posing and speaking a few words to our newspaper. 'You guys are at fault for all of this,' said Tano jokingly, referring to our newspaper's coverage of Alatriste's filming. 'What a fan movement you've started! And the best thing of all is that Viggo and the production team is delighted with that. So, damn, everybody, lets head for León.' And he disappeared upstairs into the warm Madrid night, like an Arab in the desert. Antonio Cardenal, executive producer of Alatriste confirmed that the assembling of the soundtrack, by Howard Shore, is well underway, and that the premiere will be in summer 2006.

'Probably in July, but everything depends on postproduction. And, of course we'll go to León once we have premiered in Madrid'

Suddenly, there's a lot of shoving, threatening glances from police and bodyguards, and hordes of people migrate towards the parking lot entrance. Somebody from security insists that I remain behind the security barriers, along with all the other fans, but the voice of one of the producers and severe looks from the brothers Ortiz of Tripicture finally lay down the law: 'Let him stay where he is. He's a friend of Viggo's and wants to greet him.' Almost before I have a chance to notice their arrival, 210 horses suddenly appear at my side, transporting Mortensen and Cronenberg.

The back left door swings open and Viggo appears in a fabulous grey suit, while Cronenberg emerges through the opposite door.

How are my fellow Leoneses?

In two steps, Viggo's by my side, and I say hello. He hugs and greets me, smiling. 'How are my fellow Leoneses?' 'Waiting for you,' I tell him. 'I remember all of you and soon I will return,' he says. And, without time for more, he's absorbed by the multitude of fans that accost him from opposite sides of the security barrier, requesting autographs, photographs and answers to questions. Cronenberg doesn't sign too many autographs. After three quarters of an hour of, they ascend towards the room where the photographers are waiting. But when they arrive upstairs, a fan in the middle of the crowd calls Viggo's name and asks, please, for an autograph. He turns in his tracks, goes back downstairs and signs a notebook while posing for a picture. Then he returns to the photo session with Cronenberg and the brief presentation in the theatre.

'It's a pleasure to work with Cronenberg,' Viggo says, 'because he has allowed me to take on one the most difficult roles of my career. I think this is a movie that encapsulates many messages and I'm grateful to David for this marvellous opportunity that he has given me.'

For his part, Cronenberg indicates that he was very pleased with the film and noted that, 'The reception that this movie has had in Spain and the world is amazing.' The rest of the night, with the party in Moma included, ends Viggo's brief stay in Madrid.