Pedro Almodovar is the most celebrated Spanish Director since Luis Buñuel and Carlos Saura.Born in La Mancha in 1951, he moved to Madrid at sixteen, alone and without any money but with a very concrete project : to study and make films.
Almodovar is best known for his use of melodrama , improbable circumstances and high camp in his movies. However a theme that recurs in his work is the connections and /or the desire to connect with others.
His international success has finally granted Pedro Almodovar the recognition he deserves, as the most artistically ambitious and commercially consistent film-maker in Europe. Frequently comic, always visually glorious, his films range from screwball comedy “Mujer Al Borde De Un Ataque de Nervios” to the classically austere “Carne Tremula”.
Pedro Almodovar delivers his most personal movie yet with the stunning Bad Education.
Although not strictly autobiographical, it’s an intimate tale about the fates of two boys abused at a religious school in the 60’s. It’s impossible to name another director who’d have the cojones to make a film revolve around childhood abuse, yet also turn a sinning priest into a subsequent victim.
Almodovar is in imperious form , however , and it’s a joy to witness the superbly staged action here.
Bad Education is a brilliant , challenging work from a virtuoso filmmaker.
Typically , drugs,transsexuals,crude humour , criticism of the catholic church, and a romantically cynical portrait of love as part role- playing , part financial transaction , and part blackmail are all part of Almodovar’s thrilling ,mise-en-scene . Moreover , gael Garcia Bernal , in a role that requires him to use his sensual , slightly feminine good looks to convey not only flamboyant female sexiness but also a desperate , ruthless coldness, brings his multiple characters to life with such convincing vibrancy that he unintentionally overshadows his fellow cast members’ solid , affecting work.
Date: Thursday,Feb.23,2006
Time: 8:00 pm
Place: Access Art Gallery
This night will also be a good opportunity to view the fantastic new solo exhibit “The World is Not Enough” by Elisa Le Juez as well as other works by local and regional artist exhibited in the gallery.
A donation to the Pro Crea Foundation will be highly appreciated.
Remember that it is now possible to grab a bite at the Access café ”Café al Fresco” before the film presentation.
For more information call : 5887837
