Desire Unlimited: The Cinema of Pedro Almodovar [Hardcover]

Paul Julian Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2000 | Series: Critical Studies in Latin American & Iberian Cultures

Smith argues that beneath Almodovar's genius for comedy and visual pleasure lies a filmmaker who deserves to be taken very seriously.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A thoughtful scholar and evident fan, Smith situates the nine feature films of Spanish director Almodovar within the shifting politics of post-Franco Spain, international debates about gender and sexuality, and the codes of Hollywood (particularly slasher films, melodramas and work by Douglas Sirk, Frank Tashlin and Alfred Hitchcock). Almodovar's films, he argues, seek "truth in travesty," partly by calling attention to cinematic artifice and representing gender and sexuality as stylized performance. Smith also contextualizes Almodovar's work, comparing its reception in Spain to that in other European countries and America--though a consideration of other Spanish-speaking markets might have been even more enlightening. He notes, for example, that Spanish audiences particularly appreciate the casting of straight actor Antonio Banderas in a gay role and of "genuine girl" Carmen Maura as a transsexual, communicating "a certain bracketing of gender identity" that might be missed elsewhere. Smith points out that Anglo-American critics consumed with the supposed misogyny of Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! missed the important theme of addiction. Although Smith's prose, informed by the psychoanalytic discourse of linguistics and feminist theory, occasionally threatens to deflate the delightful flamboyance of his subject, and some of his arguments beg for further development, his essays present a finely observed, compelling case for the seriousness and complexity of a cinema dedicated to evoking "the fragility of sexual difference."
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

The author (Spanish, Cambridge Univ.) looks at one of Spain's most important contemporary film directors, beginning with his first full-length feature and ending with High Heels (1991). There is no denying that these films have special impact and importance to contemporary film audiences because they combine controversial themes and striking cinematography. Because he looks at the production scripts, knows the significance of shooting locations, has a familiarity with Spanish culture, and is able to use Spanish-language sources, Smith offers many insights unavailable to readers limited to materials in English. The only other book in English on this director, Nuria Vidal's The Films of Pedro Almodovar (Instituto de la Cinematografia y las Artes Audiovisuales, Ministerio de Cultura, 1988), is not widely available. Consequently, Smith's work, though written for an academic audience, will be welcome in most serious film collections.
James E. Ross, Seattle P.L.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Verso; 2nd edition (October 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1859847781
• ISBN-13: 978-1859847787
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,176,938 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All About Almodovar, June 5, 2002

By 

Luis Hernandez (New York, New York, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Desire Unlimited: The Cinema of Pedro Almodovar (Paperback)

Simply the greatest Spanish film director since Luis Bunuel, Pedro Almodovar reigns as one of the best filmmakers in the world. Somewhat a cross between John Waters and Gus Van Sant, Pedro's films have won acclaim throughout the world, especially at major film festivals such as Cannes and Venice.

"Desire Unlimited" by Paul Julian Smith covers all of Almodovar's films from his first major film "Pepi, Luci, Bom, y Otras Chicas del Monton" to his Academy-Award winning film, "Todo Sobre Mi Madre." Summarizing each film in its' own chapter, Smith gives the reader a summary of the plot and commentary on the film's characters, storyline, and locations to further educate readers more about Almodovar's methods. Smith does a great job in discussing each film, especially due to his citations of commentary and critiques from various periodicals throughout the world.

Beautifully designed, this book is not only a treat to Almodovar fans worldwide, but also it is a must have for any serious film student/buff who wants to know the forces of creativity from a non-American director. While American directors are often subjected to edits and story rewrites due to big studio contracts and concerns, Almodovar and his film company, El Deseo, do not have to answer to anyone, giving him total control over his films.

Truly a genius, Almodovar gets the respect he deserves in this book. I highly recommend this book to all who love Almodovar's unique, campy style. It makes great reading any day of the year.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only book on Almodovar you'll need, December 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Desire Unlimited: The Cinema of Pedro Almodovar (Paperback)

There are lots of books on Almodovar and most of them are either very superficial or too darned academic. This one hits the spot very nicely. It's a chatty, engaged and thoroughly researched book, packed with information and challenging analysis. Sometimes it's a bit obscure but mostly it's the book Almodovar's films deserve. Highly recommended.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great For Those Who Are Discovering Almodovar, June 12, 2010

By 

Anne Chapman Brown "ACB" (Marshall, TX USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Desire Unlimited: The Cinema of Pedro Almodovar (Paperback)

"Desire Unlimited: The Cinema of Pedro Almodovar" will satisfy those that are new to the color films of Almodovar, or those that are die-hard fans (Of which I have been since I first saw "Matador" back in the late 80's. It provides deep insight into his films and the underlying message in each film he's made. If you want to take a dip in his works, then this is where you should start. It's worth every penny spent.