Bitter Christmas is a film within a film and it is Pedro Almodóvar’s most personal film to date. An overly complicated, slightly vague and beautifully filmed drama,it features some serious introspection by an aging Spanish film maker Raul (Leonardo Sbaraglia) as he searches for inspiration for a new hit film from the life crisis of previous assistant Monica ( Ariana Sánchez-Gijón) who quite rightly takes exception to the poaching of her misfortunate stories.
Almodóvar is clearly exploring the morality of his cinematic character choices, his relationship with a much younger partner and the loyalty with his friends. The film also alludes to his sometimes fragile mental health, his panic attacks and his use of alcohol and drugs, albeit mostly explored through other characters. He also plays homage to the women in his life, his mother, his colleagues and his friends, but the final defiant statement of publish and be damned,makes me wonder just how many friends did he upset so far ?
I treated myself to a nice supper in the Storyhouse
And texted my friend John for a film post mortem
Think I'd skip a film with the title "Bitter Christmas" as that sounds dismal from the get-go but your dinner looks scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteWhat did your friend John have to say about the film? Inquiring minds, you know.
Hugs!
He loved it….but he’s an aging writer himself
DeleteI don't think exploiting a friend's misfortune would ever end well, but it's an interesting concept. I wonder how many people would do that?
ReplyDeleteYour supper looks delicious. xx
One character asked the writer to take out her story , she said what was left would make the Netflix audience happy …..interesting
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