Pain and Glory * * * * ½
Even before I went to see it, I was thinking I'll probably be giving this five stars. But I won't be. I just wasn't that excited (or should I say overwhelmed) by it. Don't get me wrong, it's good - really good - but, for me, it doesn't match the power, the balance, the gorgeousness of Pedro Amodovar's previous film, the near-perfect Julieta. (Hey it's not my fault he set the bar so high for himself)
Pain and Glory is a reflective somewhat autobiographical film about a film director.
Salvador has pretty well walked away from the industry. He did not like his last film and partly blames the lead actor, Alberto, for that. Even though, on reflection he realises that Alberto had done a magnificent job - he'd just portrayed a different character than the one Salvador envisioned.
The critics adored the film and after thirty years it is being celebrated again. Salvador's manager wants Salvador and Alberto to do a plenary session together at the showing.
After thirty years of not speaking, Salvador visits Alberto and after an awkward beginning they find themselves sharing thoughts and feelings on the whole matter. Alberto has become a narcotic dependent and even though Salvador leads a relatively clean life he chooses to imbibe with Alberto, an experience which he likes so much he wishes to repeat it again.... and again....
After another falling out and reconciliation Salvador allows Alberto to do a stage performance of a work he has written. It is a work that Alberto is obsessed with.
Then there is another story of deeper reflection of Salvador's childhood steeped in poverty. Salvador remembers the closeness to his Mother, his celebrated precocious intelligence in the village, and the early awakening of his sexuality.
Then there is another story..... or two... as always, a Pedro Amodovar screenplay is beautifully layered. Pain and Glory is a very fine film and you'd be crazy to miss it. (It just ain't Julieta.).
 |
| Um, there seems to be half a star missing. |
Salvador has pretty well walked away from the industry. He did not like his last film and partly blames the lead actor, Alberto, for that. Even though, on reflection he realises that Alberto had done a magnificent job - he'd just portrayed a different character than the one Salvador envisioned.
The critics adored the film and after thirty years it is being celebrated again. Salvador's manager wants Salvador and Alberto to do a plenary session together at the showing.
After thirty years of not speaking, Salvador visits Alberto and after an awkward beginning they find themselves sharing thoughts and feelings on the whole matter. Alberto has become a narcotic dependent and even though Salvador leads a relatively clean life he chooses to imbibe with Alberto, an experience which he likes so much he wishes to repeat it again.... and again....
After another falling out and reconciliation Salvador allows Alberto to do a stage performance of a work he has written. It is a work that Alberto is obsessed with.
Then there is another story of deeper reflection of Salvador's childhood steeped in poverty. Salvador remembers the closeness to his Mother, his celebrated precocious intelligence in the village, and the early awakening of his sexuality.
Then there is another story..... or two... as always, a Pedro Amodovar screenplay is beautifully layered. Pain and Glory is a very fine film and you'd be crazy to miss it. (It just ain't Julieta.).
Comments
Post a Comment