Broken Embraces

It was a toss-up between going to Fann and Chris's wedding do with a hacking cough and a red nose or staying in bed to watch Broken Embraces. No prizes for guessing what I chose, with the aircon up and a pot of cammomile steaming. I can't resist a Pedro Almodóvar movie, especially one that stars Penelope Cruz. Mr Almodovar is so talented that even when repetitive and not entirely resolved, as here, the result is nonetheless effortlessly superior to most (I was tempted to say all) Hollywood movies. Reunited with Volver (2006)star, Penélope Cruz, in many guises as Lena, secretary/ daughter/ callgirl/mistress/ actress/ lover, and in as many wonderful wigs and designer dresses, the movie made me forget my cold entirely. The plot twists are more unnecessary than ever, and too obviously an excuse for Almodóvar to explore his own obsessions, including references to his favourite movies, ruminations on the nature of film (and art) and a parody of his own early works with a film-within-the-film. In fact, Almodóvar pads Cruz’s (always) knockout turn with so many arch distractions that the story feels disappointingly less than great. Sigh. Next, please.