Pedro Almodovar Movies

Films Directed by Pedro Almodovar

Despite his celebrated status in the international film community, I have only seen one of the Pedro Almodovar movies on this list. But before you start thinking that I harbor some prejudice against Spanish filmmakers, I should state that I’m open to the possibility of watching more of his films in the future.

Pedro Almodovar movies have been honored with both wins at Cannes and Oscar nominations, but it’s the recurring habit of casting women in the central roles that has caused me to overlook his films. No, I’m not a misogynist, but I do tend to be drawn to motion pictures where the narrative is driven by a male figure. Almodovar, meanwhile, has claimed older Hollywood films as a major influence, and these were often centered around the female of the species.

Call me sexist if you want, but I’ve given high marks to such female-driven titles as I Have Loved You So Long, so I’m capable of enjoying such films when I allow myself the opportunity. It also has nothing to do with the fact that Almodovar is openly gay and frequently peppers his stories with such themes. Until I started doing my research, I wasn’t even aware of the fact.

In this article, I’ll provide a brief discussion of the lone Pedro Almodovar film I’ve watched, as well as discussing some of his works that might make my Netflix queue in the future. If you’re a hardcore Almodovar fan and would like to champion certain titles, be sure to make your voice heard in our comments section.

Pedro Almodovar Movies I’ve Seen

I’ve only seen one Pedro Almodovar movie to this point. Here’s a wacky anecdote about it:

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1990) – When this raunchy film about a mental patient (Antonio Banderas) who kidnaps a former porn star (Victoria Abril) first made its way to cable television, I was just out of high school and living with my parents. I recall sitting in the living room, watching with great interest, and having no idea that the guy on the screen (Banderas) would later become a major international star.

My mother came into the room to talk to me, and in the background were a steady stream of erotic images featuring thrusting Spanish buttocks and female bondage. Dear ‘ol mom was not amused, and she turned it off so we could finish our conversation. Only later did I complete the film.

Despite the embarrassing situation I found myself in, I would recommend Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! to anyone with an open mind and a love for international cinema. Just keep in mind that it was one of the films instrumental in bringing about the NC-17 rating in the United States, so think twice before watching it with your mother in the room.

Pedro Almodovar Movies I Might See in the Future

As for Pedro Almodovar movies that I might see in the future, here’s a brief list:

Labyrinth of Passions (1982) – A gay male whose father runs a Middle Eastern country is destined to meet and fall in love with a nympho pop singer named Sexilia. It’s billed as a screwball comedy, and it sounds like it would have plenty of subject matter to shock Middle America. Sign me up.

Dark Habits (1983) – I’ve always had a nun fetish, so this flick about a female cabaret singer who takes refuge in a nunnery filled with sexy sinners might be worth my time. It’s also supposed to take a satirical look at the state of Spain’s religious institutions, so you can feel high-minded while lusting after the on-screen beauties.

Matador (1986) – Sex and death are linked together in this tale of a former bullfighter who falls for a female attorney. Since neither can get their rocks off unless they’re involved in the act of killing, you know you’ll be in for a wild ride.

Volver (2006) – Penelope Cruz received an Oscar nomination for this film that’s part drama, part comedy, and part ghost story. Two sisters living in Madrid each deal with outlandish circumstances: one visits her mother’s grave only to have the ghost of the woman follow her home, and the other hides the body of a would-be rapist in a freezer while running a restaurant without permission. In the midst of all this, Almodovar explores the culture of death and afterlife that exists in the rural areas of Spain. If nothing else, I’ll see it just to ogle the lovely Penelope Cruz.

That concludes our look at the Pedro Almodovar movies currently available on DVD and Blu-ray. If you’re like me, you have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to the celebrated Spanish director. And if you’re really like me, you’ll probably goof around and watch far too many Steven Seagal movies before you consider getting started. After all, when’s the last time that Penelope Cruz broke somebody’s forearm?

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