¿Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto!! - P. Almodóvar (1984)

When I say I like small films I'm not sure if I mean films with no complications or extravagance or films about common ordinary people. This is probably the latter and I would call it a small film but it is mildly flaboyant. Well it's Almodóvar after all (though in this film it isn't over the top).

You could say this film is related to El Cochecito and El pisito in the dark comedy/ satire of Spanish cinema. It's also a film of its time... if the others were the late 50s/early 60s this is definitely an 80s film.

Almodóvar is known for exaggeration in everything (colours, performances, sets, situations). What I like about this film is that it's absurd and strange but still very measured. It does keep a healthy simple portrait of everyday people.. who are a little crazy, yes, but that's how it is.

Carmen Maura is always great. I'm never sure if she plays only one character, but it certainly is a very human one, with strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly one you empathise with and understand despite everything. Chus Lampreave, who was also in Ferreri's films, is definitely an Esperpento character.

What Have I Done to Deserve This? isn't a comedy. But it isn't a drama either. It's something in between both. A good something.

¿Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto!!