¡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! #11

11. Dark Habits (Entre Tinieblas)

Pedro and Religion. An inseparable duo. Thank God (i.e. Pedro himself)! Because this film is as delicious as it is dark and twisty. The first film by Almodóvar to deal with something different than la movida is incredibly precise at depicting the essence of Spanish religiousness (though I would say real nuns have less vices). Using a "saintly" figure in Yolanda Bel and a believer in the Abadesa Julia, Pedro connects the religious feeling with a sadomasochistic relationship. Throw in a few musical numbers, a tiger and hilarious (yet scary) names for the nuns and you'll get yet another Almodóvar's masterpiece.

¡Peeeedro! #13

13. What have I done to deserve this? (¿Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto!!)

A movie of firsts and lasts. First true protagonist for Carmen Maura, first appearance of Verónica Forqué (both in the picture, the latter with a man on top of her). It is also the last movie by Pedro to include paranormal activities (that telekinetic child and her mother are priceless). A great portrayal of the Spanish urban working classes and a great anti-melodrama. I mean, in melodrama, small things can be the hardest of all but in this film everything is approached from distance and humor. A mother leaves her child with a pedophiliac dentist, an aspiring star is working as a prostitute, a lonely old lady loses "Money"... Terrible dramas taken lightly.

¡Peeeedro! #14

14. Pepi, Luci, Bom (y otras chicas del montón)

Almodóvar's first film is not his best. But it is so lively, hopeful, optimistic and fun that is, if not a masterpiece, certainly a cult piece. Its portrayal of the "movida" is so fun and apparently truthful (I wouldn't know, when I was born the "movida" was sadly over) that you can't help but fall in love not only with the three main women but with the whole cast.

¡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.