DVD REVIEW: THE ALMODOVAR COLLECTION

Six-disc boxset now available

Distributed by Studiocanal

A BRAND new boxset offers up the perfect method of introducing even more people to the quirky, distinctive, individual films of Spanish movie director Pedro Almodovar.

This six-disc collection, released through the always impressive Studiocanal, includes all his breakthrough films, the ones that really put his name on the cinematic map.

Almodovar has rightly attained worldwide success with his original tales of bizarre relationships, leftfield activities and a world that is very distinctly his.

It could be said that his films have a look as distinctive to him as the movies of David Lynch or David Cronenberg are to those directors.

The collection includes Almodovar’s classic Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown from 1988 which catapulted Pedro from being well-known in his native Spain to being a big player on the worldwide stage.

The film follows the life of pregnant actress Pepa, played by Carmen Maura, who is devastated by her break-up with boyfriend Ivan. But she is saved from suicide — using a sleeping pill-laced gazpacho — by best friend Candela. Then Antonio Banderas turns up and the story gets better and better.

But the collection has earlier films too, such as Dark Habits — about drug taking nuns —  from 1983 and What Have I Done To Deserve This? — about an amphetamine-addicted mum and wife — released just a year later.

Almodovar’s very distinctive movie about conflicting and confusing relationships, Law of Desire, is likely to delight and offend in pretty equal measure.

Kika (1993) and The Flower of My Secret (1995) complete the collection which is a must for Almodovar fans as each film also comes with a range of extras such as interviews, trailers and other goodies.

Unusually for male directors, Almodovar makes a point of creating strong female lead characters which are believable and engaging. Coupled with his unusual take on subject matter and storytelling this makes Almodovar as fascinating as his characters.

This is a collection which is well worth the money. The films will surprise, amuse, shock, baffle and challenge so give these DVDs a go. Happy viewing.

ANTONY CLAY