Review of Talk to Her (2002) by Leili T — 21 May 2010

The first film I have seen by Almodovar, and all I can say is "wow!" The beauty and the delicacy of the dancers in the beginning only touch the surface of the way he tells his story. There is so much care and love behind the two male leads, Marco and Benigno. The first scene we see Alicia she is completely naked being washed and her muscles being rubbed down, but there was never a hint of sexuality. We see the scene this way because this is the way Benigno sees Alicia. He has been caring for her for 4 years with just the idea of pure love. We learn of Benigno's history as the film goes on (and I don't want to ruin it here because it's excellent the way Almodovar goes about doing it). Then we also have Marco who in the beginning of the film is starting a relationship with a professional bullfighter at the top of her career. She's being more daring as she goes on. But she's doing it because she is heartbroken. Once she is in a coma he realizes he doesn't want to talk to her because he is too hurt over the situation. Before I go past this, can I just say how much I hate bullfighting and was completely disturbed by all the scenes with bullfighting? That bothered me tremendously. Almodovar also throws in a silent film in the middle of the movie, and it doesn't feel out of place. It all makes perfect sense. The man in the silent film is basically Benigno (and more distantly, Marco). They both will do anything to please and love their woman. As the film goes on we learn more and more of Benigno and I can't help but feel sorry for him.

**SPOILERS**.

Especially after we find out that he "raped" Alicia. Benigno is a virgin, doesn't have many friends, and even says he's only hugged a few people in his life. He did not have sex with Alicia because he needed her body. He was doing what he thought was making love. He's got a distorted view of everything because of his odd upbringing. Benigno is lonely and he goes to talk to a psychiatrist about it without realizing that's really what he went there for. I could go on and on about Benigno, but the main point is that Almodovar loved that character. He put much passion behind him. So much so that I can connect with him even though he seems to be so far out there. Perfect film in every way. The shots are excellent, spot on performances. Talk to Her is a true masterpiece.