David O'ConnellAlmodovar's Law of Desire
September 25th 2008 05:10
Pedro Almodovar’s 1987 melodrama/thriller, La Ley del deseo, is another gem from his eminently watcheable back-catalogue of work, showcasing all of his standard trademarks – including the frank, explicit sexual interactions lined with dark, but broad, comedic streaks.
His films embrace life, in sometimes perverse and eccentric ways, and are just as likely to twist the bizarre exploits of their protagonists into life-affirming episodes. Even if Law of Desire takes its cues from more conventional narratives, it's still signposted at every step with those distinctly Almodovar touches.
Eusebio Poncela stars as Pablo Quintero, a famous gay director in Madrid, whose apathetic attitude towards life sees him engaging in many random sexual encounters with much younger men who are attracted to his notoriety.
He shares a fickle relationship with his ‘sister’, Tina (Carmen Maura) who is a transsexual, and once his brother. She’s an aspiring actress tormented by her sexual transition, trying to raise her young daughter under difficult circumstances. Pablo finally offers her joy by relenting to her wishes, writing a lead role for her in his latest melodrama.
Pablo has just seen his latest boyfriend leave Madrid, Juan (Miguel Molina), whom he adores; however the reciprocating feelings aren’t quite as strong and he can't bear to have him around any longer.
Little does he know that a predator lurks on the periphery, Antonio (Antonio Banderas), awaiting his chance to ingratiate his way into Pablo’s life, including overcoming his aversion to homosexuality simply to get Pablo into bed on their first night together.
Antonio’s behaviour becomes erratic and domineering, building with a dangerous intensity that threatens to unravel his life as his quest to ‘have’ Pedro and eliminate the competition becomes an overpowering mania.
The music provides warning signs, for even in the early scenes, when it seems the film will be an amiable comedy, icy, ominous strings intrude to create the impression that Bernard Herrmann himself is waiting in the wings for his chance to unleash orchestral chaos upon Almodovar’s film.
There’s the usual flamboyant energy we’ve come to expect from him in recent films, the prolific director’s colourful creations coming to vivid life in his uniquely Spanish take on all manner of topics - even when framed within the traditional context of a melodrama like this one - including many that are taboo, and which most Western filmmakers wouldn’t touch with a barge pole.
There’s always been a refreshing casualness and candor with which he addresses these things and it’s in evidence in this highly entertaining early effort. Banderas gives an intense and convincing performance as the dangerous stalker, almost matching his later work for the director in the brilliant Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down.
Carmen Maura is excellent also and appeared in virtually all of Almodovar’s films through the 80’s before reuniting with him for the recent Volver.
Converts to Almodovar’s unique point of view will need no further convincing – this is well worth tracking down. He’s one of world cinema’s great auteurs and has never made a film that wasn’t worth seeing.
His films embrace life, in sometimes perverse and eccentric ways, and are just as likely to twist the bizarre exploits of their protagonists into life-affirming episodes. Even if Law of Desire takes its cues from more conventional narratives, it's still signposted at every step with those distinctly Almodovar touches.
Eusebio Poncela stars as Pablo Quintero, a famous gay director in Madrid, whose apathetic attitude towards life sees him engaging in many random sexual encounters with much younger men who are attracted to his notoriety.
He shares a fickle relationship with his ‘sister’, Tina (Carmen Maura) who is a transsexual, and once his brother. She’s an aspiring actress tormented by her sexual transition, trying to raise her young daughter under difficult circumstances. Pablo finally offers her joy by relenting to her wishes, writing a lead role for her in his latest melodrama.
Pablo has just seen his latest boyfriend leave Madrid, Juan (Miguel Molina), whom he adores; however the reciprocating feelings aren’t quite as strong and he can't bear to have him around any longer.
Little does he know that a predator lurks on the periphery, Antonio (Antonio Banderas), awaiting his chance to ingratiate his way into Pablo’s life, including overcoming his aversion to homosexuality simply to get Pablo into bed on their first night together.
Antonio......................for the ladies.
Antonio’s behaviour becomes erratic and domineering, building with a dangerous intensity that threatens to unravel his life as his quest to ‘have’ Pedro and eliminate the competition becomes an overpowering mania.
The music provides warning signs, for even in the early scenes, when it seems the film will be an amiable comedy, icy, ominous strings intrude to create the impression that Bernard Herrmann himself is waiting in the wings for his chance to unleash orchestral chaos upon Almodovar’s film.
There’s the usual flamboyant energy we’ve come to expect from him in recent films, the prolific director’s colourful creations coming to vivid life in his uniquely Spanish take on all manner of topics - even when framed within the traditional context of a melodrama like this one - including many that are taboo, and which most Western filmmakers wouldn’t touch with a barge pole.
Pablo (Eusebio Poncela) doesn't need much convincing for Antonio to lure him into bed
There’s always been a refreshing casualness and candor with which he addresses these things and it’s in evidence in this highly entertaining early effort. Banderas gives an intense and convincing performance as the dangerous stalker, almost matching his later work for the director in the brilliant Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down.
Carmen Maura is excellent also and appeared in virtually all of Almodovar’s films through the 80’s before reuniting with him for the recent Volver.
Converts to Almodovar’s unique point of view will need no further convincing – this is well worth tracking down. He’s one of world cinema’s great auteurs and has never made a film that wasn’t worth seeing.
| 115 |
| Vote |
Comment by TimmyH
Tech News
Can you HACK it?
Genyration
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak