July 18, 2024 – Pedro Almodóvar is one of my favorite filmmakers. I love his penchant for the outrageous and the vivid ways he tells his stories, from the flourishes of his characters to the colorful production design that mark his films. But I also love that they allow you to escape to his native Spain. 

From the bustling streets of Madrid, where movies like Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown capture the city's dynamic energy, to the rural landscapes of La Mancha, which reflect the director's roots in films like Volver, each location is infused with Almodóvar's distinctive style. Watching these movies allows viewers to experience the rich cultural tapestry and dramatic flair that define his work, providing an immersive journey through the filmmaker's vivid and passionate vision of Spain. Here are five of my favorites.

All About My Mother (1999)

All About My Mother explores themes of grief, identity, and the complexities of human relationships through the story of Manuela, a nurse who loses her son in a tragic accident. To cope with her loss, she embarks on a journey to Barcelona to reconnect with people from her past, including her son's transgender father and a pregnant nun. Almodóvar's vibrant storytelling, combined with powerful performances, particularly by Cecilia Roth as Manuela, creates a deeply moving and visually stunning exploration of motherhood and resilience. The film won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Bad Education (2004)

Bad Education blurs the lines between reality and fiction through the story of two childhood friends, Enrique and Ignacio, who reconnect as adults. As Enrique, now a filmmaker, reads a story written by Ignacio about their traumatic experiences in a Catholic school, the narrative unfolds through a complex structure of flashbacks and stories within stories. Featuring compelling performances by Gael García Bernal and Fele Martínez, Bad Education received critical acclaim for its narrative ingenuity and Almodóvar's fearless approach to controversial themes.

Talk to Her (2002)

Talk to Her weaves together the lives of two men, Benigno, a nurse, and Marco, a journalist, whose paths cross as they care for the women they love, both in comas. Through a series of flashbacks and intersecting narratives, Almodóvar explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and the boundaries of love and friendship. Talk to Her received widespread acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, further establishing Almodóvar's reputation as a master storyteller.

Volver (2006)

Volver centers on Raimunda, played by Penélope Cruz, who navigates a series of family secrets and supernatural occurrences after her mother's ghost returns to resolve unfinished business. Blending elements of drama, comedy, and melodrama, Volver explores themes of female resilience, motherhood, and the bonds between women. Cruz's standout performance, combined with Almodóvar's direction, earned the film critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for Cruz and her co-stars. 

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is a dark comedy revolving around the story of Pepa, an actress whose life spirals into chaos after her lover leaves her without explanation. As she tries to track him down, she encounters a series of eccentric characters, including her neurotic friend Candela, her ex-lover's new girlfriend, and a terrorist. With its vibrant colors, fast-paced narrative, and sharp wit, the film is a humorous yet poignant exploration of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human emotions. The film brought Almodóvar international fame, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film and solidifying his reputation as a distinctive voice in cinema.

Once you’re done exploring Spain through Almodóvar’s rich visual stylings, reach out to start planning your trip to the Iberian Peninsula.