This afternoon my wife and I saw Volver,the newest film from Spanish director Pedro Almodovar,the maker of films like Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown,Talk To Her,All About My Mother,etc.He is known for making movies revolving around interesting female characters,crazy comic situations,and a sense of melodrama like youd see in movies from the 40's and 50's.
What a wonderful movie!At times funny as hell,other times sad and melodramatic.And always beautiful to look at,like all of his movies.Most of his movies take the same path-starting out light and quirky,and then building the drama and deepening the meaning as it goes,and this is movie is no exception.
The real surprise for me was Penelope Cruz.In the Hollywood films Ive seen her in,Ive found her strangely unattractive and not very interesting as an actress.In this movie shes just amazing:luminous,sexy as hell,and very poignant.She even has a scene where she gets to sing(wow!).I dont want to go too crazy here,but I was reminded of Sofia Loren in her early Italian films.I will be surprised if she doesnt get nominated for an Oscar.
Id have to say that along with The Illusionist,this was the best movie Ive seen in the last year.
Just for the record,its in Spanish with English subtitles.
Jimmy