La piel que habito - Pedro Almodóvar (2011)

Somehow I was expecting a much better film, a thriller, something darker. 

I was also expecting Antonio Banderas to act better... he wasn't a bad actor in his Spanish era. English was a barrier for him so I thought maybe now after many years without working with Almodóvar he'd be better. No, he wasn't. He also has a sort of strange dubbing... to make his performance more serious? It doesn't work. Perhaps because everyone is outshone by Elena Anaya. She's just perfect in her role, not a hair out of place, the perfect main character... nobody else could have been better.

The film is very stylish. The art and photography are as good as Anaya. But aren't all Almodóvar films like that? 

The big problem is the story. It is an adaptation, but very much adapted to Almodóvar's world: transgender characters, crazy people, kidnapping, loving mothers... it's just not all the way weird as most of his films are (if someone is going to kill someone else, they use a gun, not a ham now...). It's also predictable. It's not a story telling problem, it's a plot one. You just know what it's going to happen.

The music. Alberto Iglesias is a good composer. The score isn't bad, it's just too overused. If the suspense isn't in the film, the music won't help a lot. Especially if you use music as a dramatic resource all the time. 

It isn't a terrible film but it's not a great film either... which isn't good. See the look on his face? That's how the film leaves you.

La piel que habito

Los abrazos rotos - Pedro Almodóvar (2009)

There are weak things about this film. Mainly the fact that key dramatic moments aren't told cinematographically but in dialogues. There's a character who keeps a few secrets... and she tells them while having dinner at a restaurant. And there was one left for breakfast in the morning. Instead of using them narratively in one dialogues everything is revealed. Poor, to say the least.

Is this a love story? I'm not sure. Obsession maybe? Not entirely. That's another weakness. It's more about relationships and memories of Almodóvar himself.

The real strength of this film is the visual aspect. It's all very colourful, impeccable art, not a hair out of place on anyone. That and the fact that actors are well directed. Even Penélope Cruz can act with the right guidance (and without the language barrier). Perhaps she's used to being an object of obsession? Anyway, she's okay. She doesn't even annoy you.

The thing I liked the most was how Almodóvar manages to quote himself. Isn't everyone familiar with Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios ? I would say so. I enjoyed how he can make fun of himself quoting his own personal biggest comedy (and I film that still makes me laugh).

Broken Embraces could be better, but it's not a bad film. Almodóvar has always been praised as a director but I think it was with maturity that he could become more solid at it.


Los abrazos rotos

¿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!!