Hands down one of the best films I've seen this year, that Spanish oddball director Pedro Almodóvar has really let rip in this early effort of his. On the surface it's a pretty straightforward tale of an abused wife being given the runaround by her ungrateful family, but look closer and you'll find a real inspired lunacy behind every innocuous scene. Lizards, Kendo, Hitler's diary forgeries and pedophilia all get random lip service here, amongst other such nonsense. Normally, this would be seen as over-embellishment on the part of the makers, but here it weaves such an absorbing tapestry that it, in addition to the wacky characters, creates an irresistible whole.
I was shocked at a somewhat supernatural occurrence during the latter portion, but in retrospect it fits the film's motto which seems to be 'Anything Goes'. Another slogan could be 'Never A Dull Moment' as, no matter which weird individual the movie cuts to, we're sure we will be in store for some unexpected delights. It's rare to put so much insanity on screen, and yet have it all come off. Something like this is right up my alley, and I'm off now to seek out other examples of this nutcase's work. Fortunately, I have a box set. HUZZAH!! 8/10
I was shocked at a somewhat supernatural occurrence during the latter portion, but in retrospect it fits the film's motto which seems to be 'Anything Goes'. Another slogan could be 'Never A Dull Moment' as, no matter which weird individual the movie cuts to, we're sure we will be in store for some unexpected delights. It's rare to put so much insanity on screen, and yet have it all come off. Something like this is right up my alley, and I'm off now to seek out other examples of this nutcase's work. Fortunately, I have a box set. HUZZAH!! 8/10