Broken Embraces (Los Abrazos Rotos) - Movie Review

By Ron Wilkinson Nov 29, 2009, 15:46 GMT

A sumptuous and saddening feast of noir massaged in minute detail by the master of women in trouble

Oscar winner Pedro Almodóvar (“Talk to Her,” “Volver”) has either won or been nominated for more awards in the last 10 years than all but a handful of film makers see in their lifetimes.  “Broken Embraces” is a film where the completely unfettered and totally empowered Almodóvar struts his stuff to the fullest.  Superficially it is a story within a story, a film within a film and a series of dark jokes about the power of love and the inevitability of death.

The film opens introducing Harry Caine, a man who has lived two lives.  His two lives are separated by an automobile accident that separated him from the love of his life.  This is the character in the film that requires the chops and Lluís Homar shoulders the load with confidence.  He must portray emotions of hope, glee, grief, despair and, in the end, borderline insanity as he progresses through the romantic equivalent of the five stages of grief.

A screenwriter, Mr. Caine is approached by  is approached by a mysterious young man (Rubén Ochandiano) who assures the successful and private Caine that he has a film to be made that will be like no other.  The young man calls himself Ray X and is disturbing assured in the way he looks through the inscrutable Caine.  He almost seems to know more about the storms in Harry Caine’s past then the screenwriter knows about himself.  He seems particularly familiar with the love of Caine’s life, Lena (Penélope Cruz).

This will not be recorded as one of Cruz’ greatest films.  She executes a spectacular performance but in the end is only the deadly object of desire of the two male leads, Caine and the ultra-rich and all-powerful Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez).  Gómez does a superb job portraying the man who has everything but the woman of his dreams and will stop at nothing to possess her.  At the same time he knows she is impossible to possess and that his material success has come at the expense of his emotional fulfillment.  He has abused himself and his family to the point where love is impossible.  He has only one recourse and that is to prevent others from having it.

This film has a pot boiling combination of film noir and heartbreaking pathos that compares to some of the greatest romantic tragedies ever made.  In the end of the film the rich but emotional crippled power broker edits the film within the film to trash.  This embodiment of one of the director’s greatest fears doesn’t come to pass in this film, or any of his films, as he assembles the final work with the precision and dedication of a custom watch maker.

No man in the audience will be able to take his eyes off Penélope Cruz but it is the male leads Lluís Homar and José Luis Gómez playing flawed lovers who have the best parts.  They are both good enough to make even the men shed tears.  The photography in this film is a feast for the eyes and the music sound track is tense when it has to be and simply beautiful all the time.  This is a film that has the “A” team in just about every way.  An Oscar contender but the screenplay may have too many twists and turns for its own good.

It is testimony to the power and respect accorded to the director that he corralled talent such as Rodrigo Prieto to be the cinematographer for this film.   Nominated for the Oscar for cinematography for Ang Lee’s staggering “Brokeback Mountain” as well as achieving numerous awards for blockbuster indie successes “Frida,” “Babel” and “21 Grams” this was a film where Prieto could take it to the next level.  The film combines a series of interlocking flashbacks with suspenseful and threatening staircases alternating with wide open beach scenes.  It is sumptuous to watch.

The beautifully composed and produced original score is by “Volver” collaborator and two time Oscar nominee and multi-award winner Alberto Iglesias (“The Kite Runner” and “The Constant Gardener”).  This film score alone should be the sensation of the upcoming Oscars.  The real thrill would be to see Lluís Homar and José Luis Gómez included in that ceremony as well as Almodóvar himself.

Directed and Written by: Pedro Almodóvar

Starring: Penélope Cruz, Lluís Homar and José Luis Gómez

Release: November 11, 2009
MPAA: Rated R for sexual content, language and some drug material
Runtime: 127 minutes
Country: Spain 
Language: Spanish / English
Color: Color