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Post by alexanderblanchett on Dec 7, 2019 19:14:23 GMT
It is a solid film but topic wise not too new. An aged director looks back at his past, mistakes, successes and compensates them with the present day and future. Kind of 8 1/2 but it works as it seems to be the most personal film Pedro Almodovar has done in quite some time. Antonio Banderas is very good and gives his career best performance. Not too sure about all the Award Buzz and if he can stand in such a strong year for leading actor to be honest. The performance is great no doubt but not as outstanding as some of his competition. The film also has a note worthy turn by Penelope Cruz, small role but she gives a lot here. The film is nicely shot and based on a very good screenplay. Visually nice but also not up to Almodovar's past color scheme. Its a film with many memorable moments but also some lengths. Nevertheless it works as a semi biopic of one of the greatest European directors. Defenetly worth a watch.
Nominations:
None
Rating: 7/10
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chris3
Badass
I just ordered a slice of pumpkin pie...
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Post by chris3 on Dec 7, 2019 19:38:41 GMT
Banderas is absolutely PHENOMENAL (tender, funny, pathetic, mean; he does it all) and it's definitely Almodovar's best work since The Skin I Live In. It's yet another director's attempt at 8 1/2, so don't expect anything too original within the narrative, but if you're an Almodovar fan it's an essential watch. Aside from the performances, what impressed me most about this film is the economy of his trademark whimsical flourishes. Sometimes he goes too far in these directions but here it is perfectly calibrated. He's able to evoke such lyrical surrealism and poetry with the restraint of a master filmmaker. He does this with the script too; the film will weave in and out of memory, fantasy, and reality, and yet there is such control in the direction that all of these narrative levels merge into one singular piece. I wouldn't put it among my favorite films of his (those being All About My Mother, The Skin I Live In, and Talk to Her), but it's a major return to form and I'm very glad I saw it. Hoping Banderas gets that #5 slot. 8.5
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Post by jimmalone on Dec 7, 2019 19:50:50 GMT
It's my #2 of the year so far behind Parasite (though I doubt it will stay there) and Banderas is my #1 so far. I'd even say it's Almodovar's best since All About my Mother (or at least since Talk to Her).
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The-Havok
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Doing pretty good so far
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Post by The-Havok on Dec 7, 2019 22:13:50 GMT
I saw this back in June and it was easily one of the best Almodovar I've ever seen.
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Post by Allenism on Dec 8, 2019 2:16:19 GMT
This is pretty minor Almodovar. Banderas is terrific, but the story never really builds to a satisfying peak and the most affecting part of it (Salvador's relationship with his ailing mother) isn't given quite enough screen time. In fact, the film would've benefited from focusing less on Salvador's addiction issues and more on his familial and romantic relationships.
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Post by TerryMontana on Dec 24, 2019 13:23:41 GMT
Very solid film!! One of Almodovar's best since Talk To Her. Tender and touching with Banderas giving probably his best performance ever.
After Federico shows up, the film takes off until the (very clever) ending. What I didn't like was that it was heavily based on Banderas' drug addiction. I'd prefer if they showed more of his (past or present) relationship with his mother/lover/protagonist.
Also, Penelope Cruz was a pleasure to watch in her small role.
Easily one of the year's best up to now. 8/10
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