Dolor Y Gloria

Look how diverse I can be.   Titling today's blog piece with the Spanish translation of the movie I am reviewing.   Don't be that impressed.   The Spanish title is what they used in the film.

How did I wind up seeing this?   A-ha.   An errant screener popped up and I had heard Oscar buzz about the star Antonio "formerly Melanie Griffith's husband" Banderas.   As it turned out, Antonio got a Best Actor nomination.   I also had seen some of the director Pedro Almodovar's other work, although I can't remember which ones at this junction.   Is that enough rationale for you today?

Oddly, I thoroughly enjoyed "Pain and Glory" and the kudos received by Banderas are justified.   Indeed, this is probably Almodovar filming his own memoirs.   The lead character is an aging gay film director.   Almodovar is gay and 70.   Check those boxes.   Additionally, the movie character, Salvador, is experiencing a lot of problems that old people suffer.   He needs to lean on a cushion when kneeling on the floor.   He has a condition where he can't swallow.   He's got ear issues.   Hopefully, his DGA benefits are paid up.

To make matters worse or better, one of his films from years ago has been restored and he is being sought after to produce Q and A's at screenings.   This is too much for Salvador to handle so he starts on a heroin regimen.   I don't think this is Dr. Oz-approved.  

Against this backdrop, present day Salvador looks to make amends with an actor he has previously feuded, reconnect with an old boyfriend, and eventually try to kick the habit.   In between, we are treated to Salvador's recollections of his childhood with his hard working mother (Penelope Cruz).  In the past, we are treated to Salvador's first creative instincts, his first sexual attraction to a male, and other rites of childhood passage.

If this all sounds like you have seen it before, you haven't.  Almodovar tells this dual tale in a marvelous way that always gives you something neat to look at.  And, while the story has been done to death, it still feels new.   And I was really caught by the nifty twist in the last two minutes of the movie.   It literally made me smile.

After the movie, I even understood the title.   Regardless of whether it was in English or Spanish, it's the same.   Everybody endures pain and glory in life.   

Or dolor y gloria.

Dinner last night:  Leftover chicken and rice.