Review of Broken Embraces (2009) by Zack B — 08 Apr 2010

There's a scene in "Broken Embraces" where Penelope Cruz's character Lena is having a photo test with the director of the movie she's going to star in. The director, Mateo, is naturally giving her directions about how to look with her face. There are makeup artists standing around and a documentary film making wannabe named Ernesto. Lena's hair is pulled up tight and she smiles brightly at the camera. One of the makeup artists says, "She look's just like Audrey." Of course, any movie lover will know Audrey right away. The thing is, Penelope does look like her in that moment. It was my favorite scene in the movie because it conveyed the reasons why I love Penelope so much. She has that elegance that Audrey Hepburn had, along with that quiet intelligence and innocence. At the same time, she's got a mysterious appeal, she's got a hold that I can't describe. I LOVE HER. You're probably wondering, "Why are you reviewing Penelope Cruz and not the movie?" Well I'm trying to make you understand my appeal for this movie. But to do that fully, I have to review another person. Almodovar himself. Pedro Almodovar is a director who makes movies about story, about character, and more than anything, about PASSION. Every one of his movies is about one or more forms of passion. His movies are dipped in glorious color like a Douglas Sirk film, but have a sinister feel like a Hitchcock film. Watching his films is like slowly opening a shiny wrapped gift. It's exciting knowing he has a new film coming.

"Broken Embraces" itself is not his best movie, nor is it Penelope's; however, it is always fun to watch their work together. It's a driving force like Scorsese and De Niro or Bergman and Von Sydow. "Broken Embraces" has everything of an Almodovar film. The passion. The reference to other films. the use of a transvestite character (It's not shown, but it is mentioned in dialogue in this movie). The deep relationships. The twists and turns. The betrayal. How the past catches up on the characters. It's all there. Am I saying Almodovar makes the same films over and over? Of course not. I'm just saying he has a style, like all directors. I can't tell you why I didn't like this Almodovar like "Volver" or "Bad Education." I suppose I loved "Volver" more because it showcased Penelope's talent and charm whilst telling a compelling story of a dedicated woman. It's my favorite Almodovar. And "Bad Education" was truly a giant leap for Almodovar. It was innovative. It was personal and gorgeous. "Broken Embraces" doesn't showcase Penelope by any means (it didnt need to) and it wasn't really innovative. Does that make it bad? Not at all. But it was less enjoyable to me than "Volver" and "Bad Education.".

Oh no. I'm doing a bad thing. I'm not reviewing this film based on the film itself. I'm comparing it to other films. I suppose it's difficult not to. But if you HAVE to compare a film to another film, compare the film to a film by the same director(which is what I did). Unless of course you're citing influences. Anyway, I enjoyed "Broken Embraces." Lluis Homar was admirably compelling. Penelope Cruz was amazing as always. The cinematography by Rodrigo Preito was lush. Almodovar makes another passion filled film that is enjoyable but not by any means his MOST enjoyable.