Volver - A review

December 22nd 2006 22:39

This film did not disappoint me. Despite my research and earlier post, I still wasn't sure what to expect from Almodóvar this time. As excellent and unique as Bad Education was, I was slightly disappointed on some levels. I also wasn't sure what to expect from Penelope Cruz's performance either. Quite honestly after Vanilla Sky and Captain Corelli's Mandolin's, I had almost completely discarded Penelope Cruz as an actress. I was wrong; she's Raimunda, a dark-eyed beauty with big earrings and voluptuous breasts, oozing sensuality. She is a much more luscious Cruz than we've been used to seeing since she went to Hollywood. Her performance is a mass of contradictions and there are no plays for sympathy. Her emotion is contagious and makes us comprehend the incomprehensible. She is charismatic, beautiful and enchanting as is the film and its cinematography.

To me, Almodóvar is a director that walks a deft line suspended between tragedy and farce. This particular journey seems like a mournful comedy rather than a jocular one. He masterfully interpolates the absurd and reality, collimating in deep human compassion. This expedition is crafted deftly and effectively. If there is a linear way of telling a story, Almodóvar doesn't take it. His camera shots embrace his creativity, adding to the plot, providing an air of mystery. These decisions are enticing. His films are never predictable. His flair of mystery is intriguing.

As usual, Almodóvar makes room for jealousy and self-reinvention, patterns and mirrors, embedded clips of classic films and pastiches of trash TV, but juxtaposes and frames them with more delicacy and grace than ever. The film has moments of humour intermingled with human pain, when its pervasive dramatic ironies emerge. It is obvious that Almodóvar loves women. The presence of men is peripheral. Women drive this film and their own lives. Amongst many other themes, Volver is a film about women without men.

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Posted By: Tracy - Category: No Category

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Comments

16 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by katyzzz

December 22nd 2006 22:51

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Well written Tracy,

I'm not into movies much but I may be enticed to see this one.

I saw The Queen last night and loved it.

katyzzz

Comment by Tracy

December 22nd 2006 22:58

Movies and Life

Hi katyzzz

Thanks for your comments, it is definitely an excellent film.

I was wondering what The Queen was like. I'm not normally into films about the royal family given that they are in the media so much, but it does look like it creates a story that we haven't seen before.

Tracy

Comment by JohnDoe

December 22nd 2006 23:03

haha tracy with the mere utterance of cleavage i am putting on my running shoes and making my way as fast as possible to the nearest cinema complex to see this film!

jamon jamon is a typically eccentric spanish film but penelope oozes hotness though. yes, it's a good film haha

Comment by Tracy

December 27th 2006 11:12

Movies and Life

He, he Stanley. Hope you enjoy your cleavage viewing!

I just looked up Jamon Jamon in case I'd seen it before and forgotten (if I see a film when I'm really tired, my memory erases it, that's why I needed to see Talk To Her again). But no, it doesn't look as though I have seen it. And she oozes sexiness in that one as well? I see a pattern emerging....good on her...