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Film School: Pedro Almodóvar

Pedro Almodóvar Pedro Almodóvar

Lessons from the director’s approach to character and compassion.

Paying attention – from lighting which can “favour a male actor, but… can massacre an actress”, to their mothers, “an inexhaustible source of plots and stories”, and to whom you should try to listen “without being seen” – advises the director (via BAFTA Guru):

“The strength to play” the “hard” and “complex” mothers in Pedro Almodóvar‘s films, says Penélope Cruz, “comes from the compassion [for women who are] in that situation”, which inspires “truth in what you do and honour… when you are playing them” (via Variety):

Antonio Banderas, who has also appeared in several of the director’s films, describes Almodóvar’s attention to detail in all aspects of production, and the role of actors like himself as being to “translate” the director’s intentions (via Letterboxd):

“In Almodóvar’s films, interiors shape the emotional narrative with their vibrant colors, iconic furniture and structured layouts.” Lost in Film looks at Almodóvar’s production design:

Further Viewing

A collection of video tributes to the work of Pedro Almodóvar:

Film School: Almodóvar’s Obsessions