Broken Embraces [2009]

A director falls in love with the star of his film – but she’s also the lover of the producer.

I really wanted to like this film – but it’s a story we’ve all heard before and Pedro Almodovar doesn’t do anything to “own” the story anymore than any other director who makes this exact film. Then again – I’m sure there’s a Pedro following that would be glad to correct me on how this is such a great example of a Pedro film (and at times I felt like I was missing out on an inside joke). Penelope Cruz is great in the role – but she works so well with Pedro that you expect that. I’m stretching out and giving it a 3 out of 5.

Matador [1986]

A matador in training takes the blame for a series of kills – though it would seem improbable.

Trying to sum up this film is tough because I’m not really sure how much Pedro expects the audience to pick-up on in the beginning – simply because how the film unfolds. It unfolds rather slowly – and rather cumbersomely with no narrative really followed or blended carefully in with the others. You begin to wonder if a character’s story is completed as you don’t see them for a while – and another set of characters dominate – then they turn up again. I liked it but there was some obvious flaws in the storytelling – and a few holes in the story – I’ll venture out and give it a 4 out of 5.

[directed by Pedro Almodovar]

Pedro Almodovar?

All right my fellow readers - I watched All About My Mother on your recommendations this past weekend - and really liked it. So, that adds to my Pedro Almodovar experience - which also includes Talk to Her and Volver - and thus far it's been quite pleasant. You've given me a couple other films to check out which sound interesting - Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown - but they are unavailable on Netflix.

Do you have any other Almodovar films that you'd recommend? Any that I should stay away from?

Talk to Her [2002]

Talk to Her [2002, directed by Pedro Almodovar]

Two men bond over their comatose loves.

I’m not exactly sure how to describe this film. It’s mesmerizing – sad and yet strangely beautiful. It’s dark and surreal – yet at times humorous. I’ve seen Volver also by Almodovar – it’s also quite dark yet humorous – not as surreal - but after watching Talk to Me – I really want to see more. It’s thought provoking and I get the feeling that this film will stick with me for quite a while – and I would have to recommend it to people who are looking for a similar experience in films. Films like this that push boundaries make me thankful for markets (both foreign and independent) – as I can’t see this being made in conventional Hollywood.

I have to note that the whole incredible shrinking man sexual fantasy scene will go down as something that I will never forget.

5 out of 5