¡Peeeedro! #07

7. Law of desire (La Ley del Deseo)

Desire is like gravity. You cannot escape it. And Almodóvar understands that perfectly. As perfectly as he accomplishes filmmaking. How great is this film? From the first (super hot) scene, to that heartbreaking end, the film is pure perfection. The scene where Carmen Maura's character is playing Cocteau's The Human Voice is one of my personal favorites because I love when Pedro loves theatre. I also adore the scene in the park when the gardener wets Tina. And it is one of the best works Antonio Banderas has ever done (Be patient! We will get to his best performance...) as the consumed lover he plays. Because Antonio desires Pablo (Eusebio Poncela's character), but he is also in love. Tragically in love (in tragedies people die at the end, that's the clue). So good. So, so good.

¡Peeeedro! #15

15. Matador (1986)

I don't recall this movie very well (and it is the last Almodóvar I have seen) but I'm already thinking that Labyrinth of Passion is better what goes to prove that this Top 15+2 is pointless because I change my mind instantly and perpetually (just as often as Ares download speed changes). Well, and now while choosing a picture to post I'm thinking it is great again (BIPOLAR!).

The story was intriguing enough, the performances were wonderful (Assumpta Serna, I'm looking at you...) and it was a great depiction of the relationship between sex and death. Yes, definitely a masterpiece.

¡Peeeedro! (Honorable Mentions)

Is there a better way to start something (a blog, for instance) than Mr. Pedro Almodóvar? If there is, I'm not aware of it (and I don't want to be). So here it is: Almodóvar's Top 15 (plus 2 honorable mentions)!!

Honorable Mentions

Live Flesh (Carne Trémula) 1997

This is Pedro's worst. And "casually" it is his only film to have an adapted screenplay. Casting is not very bright either. Liberto Rabal, Francesca Neri and Javier Bardem are almost difficult to look at. On the other hand José Sancho and Ángela Molina are great and amazing respectively. Also, Pilar Bardem and Penélope Cruz (in his first film with Pedro) show that there are no small roles when it comes to giving powerful performances. It has memorable moments such as the sex scene depicted on the poster or the opening scene with the delivery. It also has that Almodovarian flavor but in very small doses and Almodóvar should not play it subtly.

Labyrinth of Passion (Laberinto de Pasiones) 1982

And now with just one film that I didn't fully enjoy, we're entering true Almodóvar realm. From now on, everything is a masterpiece but for the sake of listing everything, choices must be made. And even though Labyrinth of Passion is a wonderful film, it is not on the Top 15. But I'm not sure that I can say any flaws in it. But I can think of a few good things: the script is hilarious, the ensemble works smoothly and as seen in the picture, Antonio Banderas appears shirtless (remember it was 1982, he was still hot and didn't sport that beard he had at the Oscars...) And as trivia fact, this is Pedro's sole film of the 80s not to star Carmen Maura.