A Buyer's Guide to Pedro Almodovar

Pedro Almodovar is often said to be one of the masters of Spanish cinema and has a vast cinematic catalogue spanning almost four decades. His films have been critically acclaimed, and Talk To Her (2003) even won Almodovar an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and he received a Best Director nomination for the same film.
His work isn’t particularly controversial, but is gradually becoming more recognised in England. Almodovar has identified Penelope Cruz and, more recently, Elena Anaya as his muses, and his films are usually colourful, while dealing with powerful and varied subjects, but which are his best and which should be avoided?

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One of Almodovar’s best films, All About My Mother (1999), tells the story of a woman whose son has died trying to find the boy’s father, who is now a transvestite. The woman’s life becomes intertwined with many others during the course of the story, including a pregnant nun and her son’s favourite actress. The film is touching and emotional, but, at the same time, hectic and comical. This film really draws you in and has you eagerly anticipating the ending, in the way that you want to find out how it all ties up, rather than you want it to end.

Almodovar has said that it took him ten years to write Bad Education (2004), which is based on his time in a Catholic school as a child. This film is quite self-reflexive – it is about a man who has written a semi-autobiographical film about his experiences in a religious school and hopes that his old school friend will produce it. The film deals with the unpalatable theme of child abuse by priests, so, at times, it is difficult to watch. However, as with many of Almodovar’s films, the story is not all it seems and the twists in the tale, along with a great cast, including Gael Garcia Bernal and Fele Martinez, make this film a must see.

Another film which follows the production of a film is Broken Embraces (2009). It follows director Mateo Blanco as he makes a film but falls in love with the lead actress, played by Penelope Cruz. The audience is transported to the present day, where Blanco, now known as Harry Caine, is blind and reflecting on how he got to this point. This film is filled with emotion and drama – and has several shocks. It showcases the very best elements of Almodovar’s work and is an excellent example of how Spanish cinema can really make an impact on an English audience.


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