My Top 5 Pedro Almodóvar Films
When it comes to inspiration for my drag, the Pedro Almodóvar universe has been a key element that has influenced not only the way I look or what I wear, but also the way I act and perform. Pedro paints a very tragic portrait of Spain in most of his films, but always from a cheeky and colourful perspective. His films are a very big part of Spanish culture and the actors and actresses that he works with usually become icons in the Spanish film scene. It’s hard for me to pick just 5 films, but here’s my top 5!
Number 5: Los Amantes pasajeros – I’m so excited
People have mixed feeling about this film, but I adore it. It is the campest most random film you’ll ever watch. The narrative is set almost entirely on an airplane with three VERY flamboyant male flight attendants, musical numbers and a lot of drama not only between them but also between the crazy passengers. Just as a random fact, the poster for the film was designed by one of my absolute favourite Spanish artists: Mariscal!
Number 4 – Kika
Yet another iconic film, Kika tells the story of an adorable cosmetologist and Ramon, who proposes to the much older Kika (who also happens to be the lover of Ramon’s father). Everything escalates very quickly as you can imagine! The film features iconic actresses like Rossy De Palma and stunning looks by the likes of Mugler.
Number 3 – La piel que habito – The Skin I live in
Something a bit different, this film plays a bit more with science fiction mixed with the exploration of gender identity. With the iconic actor Antonio Banderas as a mad doctor using the guy who raped his daughter as a guinea pig for his experiments. If you were thinking about getting some work done… maybe don’t watch this one!
Number 2 – Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios – Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
It was hard for me to not place this film as my number one, cause I see my drag character as being a character in it. It tells the story of a television actress who encounters a variety of eccentric characters after embarking on a journey to discover why her lover left her so abruptly. It shows a Spain that is bright, colourful, professional, kind and elegant, and a story that is so iconic that Spanish people continue to quote it even nowadays. It is a must watch!
Number 1 – Todo Sobre Mi Madre – All About My Mother
My absolute favourite Almodóvar film, it marked a before and an after in the Almodóvar universe. It tells the story of a young lad who wants to become a writer and also meet his second mother, a trans woman, carefully concealed by his mother Manuela. The film was a massive success internationally, winning the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in addition to the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. It deals with complex issues such as AIDS, homosexuality, transsexualism and faith.
