Fascinatingly complex nourish mystery. A film-maker is reunited with a boyhood lover, who wants to tell a dark story from their Catholic school days. But is the story true? And who's story is it really? Gael Garcia Bernal is terrific, and all the acting is very good. Gorgeously shot, with a great score.
I wish I felt more emotionally, but my mind was always completely absorbed, even if my heart stayed a little cool. Maybe that's the nature of a film where everyone is hustling and using each other.
(mild spoilers ahead)
A bit obvious and self-conscious in a few spots, and pederastic Catholic priests is a cliché the film only partially transcends (although the humanity given to the priest makes it far more interesting), and a couple of the climactic twists feel less motivated than what comes before. But worth it for the 'Vertigo' like layers of reality that keep getting pulled back and forcing us to keep reassessing 'good', 'bad', 'art' and 'real.' Many critics consider this Almodovar's masterpiece – and I could see re-watching a third time and liking it even more, given the film's many layers.)
I wish I felt more emotionally, but my mind was always completely absorbed, even if my heart stayed a little cool. Maybe that's the nature of a film where everyone is hustling and using each other.
(mild spoilers ahead)
A bit obvious and self-conscious in a few spots, and pederastic Catholic priests is a cliché the film only partially transcends (although the humanity given to the priest makes it far more interesting), and a couple of the climactic twists feel less motivated than what comes before. But worth it for the 'Vertigo' like layers of reality that keep getting pulled back and forcing us to keep reassessing 'good', 'bad', 'art' and 'real.' Many critics consider this Almodovar's masterpiece – and I could see re-watching a third time and liking it even more, given the film's many layers.)