Review of Broken Embraces (2009) by Amber B — 18 Sep 2010

Pedro Almodovar directs this story about a writer who uses an alias when he writes his literary stories and screenplays. After an accident leaves the writer blind and without his true love Lena(Penelope Cruz) he decides to erase his real identity, Mateo Blanco, and become the pseudonym, Harry Caine.

The story drifts back and forth between the present and the past(before and after the accident)which makes viewing a bit more complicated for some viewers. This movie is more of a straight forward drama(sometimes slipping into melodrama)with fewer histronically hilarious moments that are a signiture of an Almodovar film. It was often difficult for me to find a clear emotional center in this movie which made the movie quite frustrating at times. The sets and clothing are still detailed and colorful, but all of that doesn't have the same effect due to the lack of frenetic energy from the story, screenplay and characters. It's all kind of downbeat.

In the end, some of the reveals are quite irritating(my response, "Oh no he didn't"). All I kept thinking was OK, a slick Soap Opera with Almodovars' name attached to it.

Still, I did enjoy it somewhat while I watched it, but as time goes by the negatives get more discouraging. Anyhow, it still deserves a look. It is Almodovar, but it certainly does not deserve a second look. Although for some, who aren't as familiar with this director, may like it more than me.