Spanish director Pedro Almodovar is everything but predictable. His work is always different, topics are controversial, approach is never the same, and actors have to give their best, because that is the only thing he accepts.
One thing however, can stay the same – the crew. Almodovar loves his actors, they follow him from one movie to another and it is fair to say that some of them (now big names) owe their popularity to him. Let’s name just few of Almodovar stars: Victoria Abril, Antonio Banderas, Carmen Maura, (his favourite) Rossy De Palma, and Hollywood’s darling – Penelope Cruz.
The last one mentioned (Academy Award Winner in 2008. for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” – Cruz) starred in previous Almodovar’s movie “Volver” and is now his main muse for “The Broken Embraces”.
Oscar Winning director (he was awarded for “Hable con ella”) is here telling a story about a blind writer and director, who is, after fourteen years being forced to face his demons, and try to forgive himself for the terrible accident that happened in the past, leaving him alone, without the love of his life.
In this poetic yet intense movie, Almodovar plays with switching identity, with inside fears we have, with demons from past, undying love and unforgiven sins we need to overcome in order to find happiness.
An accident from the past not only left the writer blind but also took away the only woman he loved. After the tragedy he starts using his pseudonym, avoiding using his real name, claiming that he actually died on the day of accident, and demanding to live the rest of his life in the dark.
Penelope Cruz portrays beautiful Lena, the fatal love, and again is the object of desire and the one that starts the series of events, like in past movies where she teamed up with Spanish genius.
Knowing how passionate, painfully true and heavily emotional Almodovar can be, it wouldn’t surprise me if “Los abrazos rotos” brings one more Academy Award to Spain. Almodovar can do that.