Movie Review: Todo sobre mi madre [All About My Mother] (1999)
After watching Pedro Almodóvar's 2006 film Volver, we decided to check out some of his other films. Wow. We're glad that we did.
Todo sobre mi madre [All About My Mother] (1999)
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Like Volver, All About My Mother revolves around the lives of a few women. And really, that's it. The story follows three or four main characters and investigate their sexuality, maternity, depression, secrets, and their relationships with men. What I find to be the most fascinating aspect of Almodóvar's films is how he completely marginalizes male characters. They are spoken about, alluded to, and referenced but hardly are they ever prominent figures on the screen. With Almodóvar's mastery though, one will barely notice that there are not any men.
Through his prominent female characters, he encapsulates women very well by throwing away stereotypes. All of these women are strong, resourceful, and independent -- very unlike the norm in film. Of course they desire love and companionship (don't we all?) but these females don't need it and they don't have to find it.
Also like Volver (meaning "to return" or "to come back"), All About My Mother has a cyclical nature. This time, of course, the themes resonate around motherhood, parenthood, grief, and love and not so much as a physical rebirth like Volver.
All About My Mother is a film that cannot be dissected in one viewing, nor can it be completely analyzed in two to three paragraphs. It is, however, a completely captivating film that draws you in and makes you think, "Wow."
Todo sobre mi madre [All About My Mother] (1999)
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Like Volver, All About My Mother revolves around the lives of a few women. And really, that's it. The story follows three or four main characters and investigate their sexuality, maternity, depression, secrets, and their relationships with men. What I find to be the most fascinating aspect of Almodóvar's films is how he completely marginalizes male characters. They are spoken about, alluded to, and referenced but hardly are they ever prominent figures on the screen. With Almodóvar's mastery though, one will barely notice that there are not any men.
Through his prominent female characters, he encapsulates women very well by throwing away stereotypes. All of these women are strong, resourceful, and independent -- very unlike the norm in film. Of course they desire love and companionship (don't we all?) but these females don't need it and they don't have to find it.
Also like Volver (meaning "to return" or "to come back"), All About My Mother has a cyclical nature. This time, of course, the themes resonate around motherhood, parenthood, grief, and love and not so much as a physical rebirth like Volver.
All About My Mother is a film that cannot be dissected in one viewing, nor can it be completely analyzed in two to three paragraphs. It is, however, a completely captivating film that draws you in and makes you think, "Wow."