Los abrazos rotos (Broken Embraces)
2009
***
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Cast: Penélope Cruz, Blanca Portillo, Lluís Homar, Lola Dueñas, Ángela Molina, Rossy de Palma
A blinded writer looks back at the day when he was a successful director and fell in love with his leading lady, the mistress of a ruthless millionaire who produced the film. Pedro Almodóvar's latest melodrama draws influence from the works of Douglas Sirk and Alfred Hitchcock, but most importantly from the director's own recent output. So much so that despite the lovely performances, unpredictable and intriguing story and stunningly vibrant visuals, there is a feeling that Almodóvar is just going through the motions, and for too long at 128 minutes.
