In Pedro Almodovar’s exquisite new film, Antonio Banderas plays Salvador Mallo, an acclaimed filmmaker, who, after a series of debilitating health problems, has stopped working. For Salvador, “without filming, my life is meaningless.”
A remastering of one of his early works “Sabor,” brings him back together with his leading man- Alberto (Asier Etxeandia), who he had a bad falling-out with over 30 years ago. Alberto offers Salvador some heroin to smoke, and the aged director’s mind drifts back to his youth, living with his beautiful, poor, but nurturing mother (Penelope Cruz) in a strange subterranean house. These drug reveries reveal key scenes from Salvador’s childhood that shaped the artist and man he has become. To say more would be criminal.
The performances are stunning, particularly Banderas– just to watch his body language in the film is to be awed by the depth of his talent as an actor. And because the film itself seems so personal and revelatory, what occurs- like a touching reunion with an old boyfriend (Leonardo Sbaraglia)- carries more psychic weight. Like Almodovar, Salvador is not at the end looking back- he is at a difficult crossroads which causes him rueful reflection. Not with the impish provocation of Almodovar’s Dark Habits, or the frenzied farce of Woman On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown, or the searing melodrama of All About My Mother. No, the story unfolds with great simplicity, but also great tenderness and cinematic beauty. It’s a quiet masterpiece.
Thank you Dennis. Can’t wait to see this one.
As usual Dennis’s review makes me want r to.rush out and see this film. The next movie Almodovar makes.should.be about Dennis’s life and maybe mine too.
Oh Dennis. I’m so excited to see this one! Especially since reading your nuanced review. Thank you!