To see Los Abrazos Rotos (Broken Embraces) - the new Pedro Almodóvar film, starring Penelope Cruz as Lena, a secretary - and much else - who is dead before the action begins. However, she completely dominates this complex, shifting film which is extraordinarily clever and witty, but seldom emotionally involving or moving. The other main character is the blind film maker with two names -and there is much to think about with names, creativity, vision, and perception. But there's also a rattling good story!
It's well worth seeing, but eat some fish beforehand, concentrate at the back there, and no need for hankies. Here's a trailer:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1943339545/
I saw this film last June and liked it very much too. I am rather an Almodovar aficionado. I use to like the very colourful interiors he always chooses (in this case, all is very Forties-themed). And the place he chooses for the camera is always original - for example, he films from above, from off-the ground, or from one side of the screen.
This film is quite different from his usual work though. The story is so banal but the way he tells us what happens is very uncommon - and not linear at all.
Unlike you, I found there are some moving scenes. I particularly liked the scene with the film maker touching the screen with his hands, it is like he is trying to grasp that scene on the screen forever.
Posted by: glo | Wednesday, 23 September 2009 at 12:13 AM