Pedro Almodovar

Pedro Almodovar, Spanish Filmmaker

Biography

Pedro Almodovar was born in La Mancha, Spain in 1951. He began dabbling in filmmaking in 1974 and his first film, shot in Super-8, was entitled Dos Putas. In the years that followed, he acted in avant-garde plays, sang in rock bands, and began publishing the "confessions" of a fictional porn star. By the late 80's, he had become a leading figure in the new Spanish cinema that developed after the death of Franco in 1975. Openly gay, he often creates characters that are homosexual or bisexual, and is best known for his irreverent, shocking comedies. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988) was named Best Foreign Film by the New York Critics and won the Best Screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival.

Question & Answers

Pedro Almodovar was the honored guest at the Paris Film Festival on Monday, March 30. He answered questions asked by the public:

On Spanish cinema
Up to the 80's, there were only marginal writers. After Franco, Spanish cinema and culture in general were reborn in Spain instead of exiling elsewhere. The fact is that I never suffered Franco. I was too young; Franco was dead before I began working. Therefore, I have a more objective regard. The fact that my films are more playful is due to the fact that I am part of the new generation of Spanish filmmakers.

On screenwriting
At the origin, one has a creation that is very abstract. The process goes from an idea that is stimulated and develops until it becomes a story. After it is finished, the writer understands much better his own scenario. The details are to be discovered later.

On Spanish film exportations
The exportation of Spanish films is changing. More films than ever are leaving the country. But exporting films to other countries is a problem for all European countries. They are more successful locally. Importing films into Spain is the same problem.
Bunuel once said when asked about the differences between France and Spain, "The Spanish read French literature, but the French do not read Spanish literature."
But it's getting better. Just look at the international popularity of Flamenco music these days.
Another thing, the Spanish government has no policy for aiding filmmakers like in France, the Culture Ministry. France is always inventing something to bring cinema to the people.

For whom have assisted?
Pedro shook his head and said "nobody."
I bought a Super-8 camera and the rest is history. I taught myself.

Advice to the young
Do not look to others, look inside yourself. My first advice is be 'sympatico'. Then you can get many favors. You've got to get 20 people to work for you for free on your first film and on top of it, get them to contribute money. If your first film works, do the same thing a second time. And if it was a pleasure to tell your story in this film, you are a true director.

On Bunuel
I'm more than an admirer. He is a reference for me. I adore the Mexican period of his career.

On Carmen Maura
One of my best actresses. We had a passionate relation…for the work. The director does not sleep with the crew; it is too difficult to give orders the next day.
Our relation is intense and complicated. The last film we did together was in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown because it became impossible for me to continue working with her. Now, nine years later, we may work together again.

When asked what he does to understand women so well
Women belong to the same species as men…the human race. It's not so difficult; women are just difficult to live with. You need a lot of interest, curiosity, and heart, that's all. Women from La Mancha are very strong, they rule the home. The men are macho and do not allow the women to express themselves. But the women have a lesser sense of being ridiculous and a much bigger sense of humor.

Projects
I have a project for a Western. It's quite logical since the Western functions in the same social climate as is present today. They were on drugs already, there were gays too.
I want to make a film with Antonio Banderas in Hollywood. I already have a project for an American story to be made in the USA.
At the present, I'm doing a play for the theatre and next a film with Jeanne Moreau in France.

Which is your favorite film?
Films are like kids. Their value lies in the time you spend with them.

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