Movie Review: Broken Embraces

Broken Embraces (Los abrazos rotos), may be hard to follow for some, not because it’s subtitled but because of the wild, convoluted plot. It is worth every bit of extra effort to experience this truly unique and extraordinary film. Beautifully shot by Rodrigo Prieto (Brokeback Mountain), every frame is filled with eye-candy even when it’s not focused on Penelope Cruz, who, no matter how close the camera gets, is always a stunner. Credit must be given to Pedro Almodóvar (he also directed the incredible Volver), the writer/director for brilliantly getting this complex story effectively to the screen. Trust me, it’s not easy. Broken Embraces mingles comedy and the unsettling style of Hitchcock with the 1950’s approach to melodrama, ultimately creating a unique style all its own. The movie opens with Harry Cain (Lluis Homar), a blind writer - who use to be a sighted director - being escorted across the street by a beautiful woman. He effectively turns their encounter into a seduction. It’s a scene you will not soon forget. It would take all day and half the night for me to explain the plot. Let’s just say it is a movie about film and it is a film about love. It is powerful, funny, painful and rich. The truly remarkable screenplay moves easily back and forth through time; a tribute to the fine editing by Jose Salcedo. Cruz is outstanding in this complicated role, effectively playing three different women; she captures fierce jealousy like nobodies business. Really exceptional. The movie is not without its flaws. Not every question is answered, not everything is credible but quite frankly, only American audiences expect that in a movie. Broken Embraces doesn't quite reach the ranks of Volver, but it is still a must see for movie lovers (and lovers - the movie is an ode to passion). If you haven’t seen it, see it. It will work on a TV screen but it will be so much more enjoyable in a dark, quiet movie theater.