Review of Labyrinth of Passion (1982) by Lorraine L — 23 Feb 2009

I...don't understand why this is a 'modern classic'. Lots of blow-jobs, lots of full frontal nudity, lots of rape, lots of incest. And quite suddenly, the film is over.

But well...this celebration of excess and glorification of sex perhaps best conveys the feeling of jubilation and liberation in Spain's post-Franco era? (I honestly don't know...).

And...while all that porno sex can be shocking/offensive, perhaps it succeeded in tickling our 'moral sensitivities' imposed on us by 'civilisation' but which in fact goes against all human nature/instincts? This is perhaps what the movie is about - the protagonists, with their inner urges suppressed, dreamed away their lives like zombies; but with their desires fulfilled, they found their voice again. So perhaps the movie is not just about the 'liberation' of its protagonists, but also the (hoped) 'liberation' of its audience upon seeing the film.

(Why am I defending Almodovar? Whatever I say, my mom would still think he's totally perverted. Well, maybe this is just a porno in the disguise of arthouse).

Oh and I love Almodovar's cameo! Little fat guy in tight leather dress. Adorable :).