Reviewed by Michael Leader
Stars Penelope Cruz, Lluis Homar, Blanca Portillo, Jose Luis Gomez, Tamar Novas, Rubén Ochandiano, Marta Aledo,
Agustín Almodóvar, Enrique Aparicio, Javier Coll
Written by Pedro Almodovar
Certification UK 15 | US R
Runtime 128 minutes
Directed by Pedro Almodovar
Memory, trauma and obsession are all key themes in Almodovar's new film. Unsurprisingly for the writer-director, accepted as one of Spain's greatest cinematic artists, this is a complex, yet stimulating film - a graceful tragicomedy that blends genre and tone.
Harry Caine (Homar) is a blind, middle-aged screenwriter, living comfortably with his ex-production manager Judit (Portillo) and her son Diego (Novas), until the death of old businessman Ernesto Martel (Gomez), excavates consciously-forgotten experience - of a film, shot over 15 years prior, before Caine was blind, involving the beautiful actress Lena (Cruz).
Broken Embraces hinges on a twisty plot that flashes from the present to the early 1990s, but Almodovar and company are fully capable of keeping the tone light and far from needlessly convoluted. In fact, in a showing of quite masterful flair, the narrative itself shifts in tone and style throughout - encompassing drama, comedy and thriller often within the same scene. Thankfully, this never becomes jarring or diffuse; Almodovar and director of photography Rodrigo Prieto's (Brokeback Mountain, Amores Perros) warm, colourful palette is highlighted by graceful pans and tasteful close-ups. Coupled with Alberto Iglesias' nimble score, these production aspects give the film an assured, consistent feel, despite the drastic shifts.
Perhaps chief among the stylistic deviations is the flashback tale - of the love affair between Harry Caine and Lena, who is romantically-tied to Ernesto. The sensual, sexually-charged thriller fundamentals are all present, but Almodovar's curve-ball is to root the story in a film shoot. The result is a noir where guns only appear in impressionistic paintings on the characters' living room walls. The MacGuffin - as opposed to blackmail photographs, or artifacts of international importance - turns out to be deep-seated, emotional damage, reflected in the unfinished film (a farcical comedy, which recalls Almodovar's own Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown).
While it's not as scene-stealing as her Academy Award-winning role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Cruz's performance as Lena is virtuosic and engaging. Homar, likewise, is flexible as the narrative requires, and the supporting cast is full of strong, well-drawn characters. Some of the film's most memorable moments are side-glances, such as a touching, humorous scene with Diego and Harry brain-storming a particularly lewd vampire movie.
Broken Embraces is a rare film, where, despite an eclectic and crackerjack approach, its myriad aspects gel together in a thoroughly polished fashion. It is a joy to watch.