Director's techniques Flashcards
What happened in Madrid in the 1980s?
A rapid, creative cultural revolution known as “Movida Madrileña”
After decades of repression under the Franco dictatorship, the youth of Madrid (including Almodóvar) were seeking freedom of expression.
This movement influenced music, film and literature
What year did Almodóvar create his own film company, and what did he name it?
1985
El Deseo
What elements are most prominent in Almodóvar’s films?
Memorable female characters, colour, fashion and innovative cinematic techniques
How has Volver been described by critics?
As an innovative film and a conscious return by Almodóvar to his roots
What is Volver inspired by?
By the environment of La Mancha in which Almodóvar grew up, with matriarchs, Catholic traditions, secrets and friendships
What colour is most prominent in Volver, and what is its purpose/when is it used?
Red; creates tension and a focal point
In the opening scene the credits appear in red
Raimunda, Sole and Paula drive in a red car
Raimunda wears a bright red cardigan, which contrasts with Irene’s blue cardigan as they hug in the final scene
A close up scene where red tomatoes and peppers are being chopped up
Red blood on the knife when Paco is stabbed by Paula
How did Almodóvar emphasise Raimunda’s femininity?
He made Penelope Cruz wear a fake bottom
The iconic overhead shot of Raimunda washing dishes with her cleavage on show
Close ups of Raimunda’s shoes, to the point of fetishism
She wears striking red patterned clothing
How does Volver make direct reference to melodramas?
In the final scene of Irene watching the black and white Italian melodrama “Bellissima” on TV
Raimunda’s passionate singing in the restaurant
Irene’s emotional soliloquy on her return to her family
What is magic realism?
A style primarily associated with Latin American literature than introduces fantastic elements into otherwise realistic environments, which is used to shock or surprise the reader/viewer
How is magic realism used in Volver?
Irene’s ghost is an example of magic realism; she is a “fantastic element” in the realistic environment of Alcanfor de las Infantas
Raimunda’s extreme resilience; despite carrying so much burdens, she remains strong and takes on a mountain of responsibilities considered out of this world
How does Almodovar describe Volver?
As a dramatic comedy and surreal naturalism
What parts of Volver make it a comedy?
Irene’s ghost in humorous situations such as being trapped in the boot of Sole’s car, hiding under the bed and pretending to be a Russian immigrant
When Sole sniffs the exercise bike in Tia Paula’s house
When Raimunda and Sole laugh about being able to smell Irene’s farts
What motifs are present which make the film recognisable as Manchegan?
Wind turbines, windmills depicted in the novel Don Quixote, violent east winds, gravestones which the ladies clean in vain, Tia Paula’s traditional Manchegan funeral
Who composed and arranged the soundtrack for the film?
Alberto Iglesias
How was the original Volver song adapted for the film?
A flamenco-style adaptation by Estrella Morente
