The most recent product of the Almodovar assembly line is Broken Embraces, a lush tragic romance starring an especially beautiful Penelope Cruz as Lena and an especially impressive Lluis Homar as Harry Caine. While it lacks the tight, methodical narrative of Live Flesh or the raw emotion of Volver, Embraces sits as a worthy addition to the filmography of the accomplished filmmaker.
Harry Caine is a blind writer who was once a filmmaker who went by the name Mateo Blanco, Harry Caine his pseudonym. Now, the pseudonym has become the man and Mateo is no more. The opening scene of the film is one of the sexiest Almodovar has ever filmed, and that’s saying a lot. The scene involves Caine and a young beautiful woman he seduces.
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However, in many ways it feels like a last breath of joy for Caine, and Almodovar himself. The majority of this film is self-reflective, both on-screen and off (it would seem). In class Fellini fashion, the film’s hero is a filmmaker, looking back on his life and opportunities missed. Where the film, and Almodovar, drift from Fellini land is in the pure melodrama the characters revolve around. Few dramas in recent years are as convoluted as this one and, in many ways, that’s a compliment.
Almodovar has spent a career making convoluted melodrama work, and Embraces works as a sort-of best-of album. There’s everything in this film and everyone is clearly giving it their all, most notably Homar who controls the screen whenever he’s in frame. Cruz isn’t given the dramatic weight of her character in Volver but, as expected, she makes the most with what she’s given. The music plays a large role in the film and plays it well, courtesy of Alberto Iglesias.
Almodovar has crafted a gripping tale of love and loss, making for one of the best at the festival.
8 out of 10