An Intro to the Cinema of Pedro Almodovar

After two Academy Awards, six European Film Awards, two Golden Globes, five British Academy Film Awards, Goya Awards and four prizes at the Cannes film Festival, Spanish director, producer and screenwriter Pedro Almodovar has become a cult favorite for many film lovers. His early work was heavily influenced by la movida madrileña, a cultural movement born after the death of the dictator, Francisco Franco. Having grown up during this dictatorship in a very religious and conservative Spain, most of his work, as well as being inspired by the old Hollywood which the young Almodovar grew up watching, was influenced by the traditional and conservative Spanish society, often portrayed through satire. The cinema of Almodovar can be controversial, compelling, eye-opening and sometimes hard to digest.

Almodovar began working with short films, and later moved on to feature length films, where he found praise for his films, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988) and All About My Mother (1999). His films are often characterized and recognized by the use of vibrant colors, old Hollywood and theater references, melodrama, and complex narratives, oftentimes touching on the themes of family, desire and passion, as well as exploring the dynamics between men and women.

Here is a short list of movies that I certainly recommend if you want to begin exploring Almodovar’s expansive and interesting catalog of creations. And, don’t worry, this list contains no spoilers.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)

This is the film that made Almodovar a global household name of cinema. His first international commercial success, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is a fast-paced, vibrant comedy that follows Pepa, whose lover has just left her and who now has to deal with the aftermath of the break-up and her resulting heartbreak. Led by a wonderful female cast, this film pops out in all avenues, from the vibrant sets and costumes, to the vivid 80’s imagery - and a young Antonio Banderas. This film explores and questions the relationships between men and women. In an exaggerated, comedic and almost animated manner, Almodovar gives a spotlight to all of the film’s female protagonists. Throughout the film we can also see Almodovar’s old-Hollywood influences, and how he uses these as a poetic way to tell his narrative. He uses the form and profession of acting as a way to have his characters convey their emotions and true intentions. If you are looking for something lighthearted and fun to watch, this is certainly a way to ease into Almodovar’s cinema.

With an all woman ensemble, Todo Sobre mi Madre is perhaps one of the most well-known and recognizable works of Pedro Almodovar. The film follows the story of Manuela as she returns to Barcelona after the death of her son, in the hopes of reuniting with her son’s father, Lola. Featuring one of my favorite lines in cinema of all time; “Una es más auténtica cuanto más se parece a lo que ha soñado de sí misma”, (One is more authentic the more it resembles what she has dreamed of herself). Todo Sobre mi Madre is a grand exploration of womanhood, sisterhood and family. What perhaps stands out the most about this film is its characters, and their journey towards authenticity. Tackling the topics of AIDS, faith and homosexuality, this character driven comedy-drama is filled with memorable lines, beautiful set designs, and features recognizable faces from other Almodovar movies - that would later become synonymous with his filmography. Todo Sobre mi Madre is another instance where we see Almodovar pay homage to the theater and to classic Hollywood movies; A Streetcar Named Desire being a constant backdrop to the main storyline. Another film that is an enjoyable watch, where we are rooting for the protagonists and sometimes relating to them, this is certainly an Almodovar classic.

This 2002 drama is one of Almodovar’s most critically acclaimed films, regarded as one of the best films of the 2000’s, and an example of Almodovar’s interesting and sometimes weird forms of storytelling. The film follows two men, (quite the contrast to his previous work which featured mostly all female casts), who form a strange friendship while taking care of the women they love, who happen to be in a coma. This film is one of the many instances whereby Almodovar tackles and questions the conservative ideals of Spanish society. The film not only shows its audience a reversal of focus (from female to male) as the subjects, but also features a reversal in gender roles, for the protagonists are in career fields that would either be considered more masculine or feminine in spanish society. A film that reverses societal roles and expectations, and that unfolds itself in layers, this movie will have you feeling deceived and surprised. I must say, compared to the other two films, this one does feature some more uncomfortable scenes and imagery. A fine line between controversy and the weird, obsessive themes that most of his films feature, this offers an exploration of relationships, communication and obsessive behavior. A film that starts out as a romance, Almodovar quickly converts this film into a strange, and terrifying narrative that tackles the idea of communication, whether it be verbally, through the body or even through performance, (Almodovar once again featuring the theater and classic silent film cinema.)

Pedro Almodovar is a talented director who has an illustrious trajectory of films one has to simply sit and observe, many worthy of analysis. The list above is simply an introduction, but do not be deceived, for his work can certainly grow in extremes of expression, both in themes and imagery. Almodovar continues working to this date, and it is said that he is currently working on his next project. Oftentimes his films can feel outrageous. I recommended these specific movies because they highlight a side of Almodovar that is vibrant and reflective, whereas some of his other artistic values lie in the obscene, and extravagant. I would still recommend viewers interested in his work to explore what Almodovar has to offer, but it takes the audience’s knowledge of what they like to see on screen, to choose which Almodovar film to watch.