I haven’t seen many Pedro Almodóvar films and the ones I had seen (THE SKIN I LIVE IN and PAIN AND GLORY) I wasn’t too fond of. However this was spectacular. Everything is so masterful, from the compositions to the colors to the directing to the acting to the cinematography to, well, everything. This has a little bit of that telenovela melodrama that permeates through Almodóvar’s work, but I honestly didn’t mind it since it fit the film perfectly. Penélope Cruz was amazing as Rosa. Her character is so interesting considering she is a nun who had an affair with a transwoman and got HIV, however this is not the main plot of the film, just a side story. Most people I think would have made that the main story, but as a side story it allows it to be another thing that adds to the eclectic tapestry that is this film. Antonia San Juan is also great as Agrado. The film also pays so much back to the films of multiple eras of Hollywood with ALL ABOUT EVE, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, and OPENING NIGHT. It is fascinating that Lola played the role of Stanley because it is such a man’s man role and it is the perfect role for her to be in. Conversely, in regards to their relationship, it makes so much sense that Manuela played (and then plays) Stella. The script is so smart and so well crafted that every part of the film balances around it. I couldn’t have loved it more.
