Madonna and Penelope Cruz have been close friends for several years however she has suddenly realized that Madonna has pursued her only to get close to filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, the Spanish director and writer who made Cruz a star.

Recently both of them participated in a New York dinner where Almodovar was honored. That led to a pitch by Madonna for a film project starring both women, directed by Almodovar. Almodovar was bit hesitant to reveal the script however he promised to read it. ''She still is Madonna. Her name still is magic,'' said an Almodovar associate. ''Who knows? Maybe Pedro's gifts could turn things around for her!''