Film No. 7 (2021) January 23rd. 6.30 PM Cinema 5. LUNA, Leederville.
"It isn't a matter of allowing ourselves that, it's already here!"(Janis finds the perfect moment to announce her pregnancy to a perplexed Arturo).
Could this be Pedro Almodovar's most critically acclaimed film? Certainly, world-wide, there is plenty of praise to suggest PARALLEL MOTHERS, is his best. Me, well I'm in the VOLVER camp but it's always to do with your mood when you sit and absorb an Almodovar film. Each is like a rich dessert; there are new flavours to digest and sometimes one needs to re-visit those tastes to really appreciate the delight.
I'm not trying to be obtuse here, but Pedro has so many layers to his films. As in PARALLEL MOTHERS there is the surface story: Penelope Cruz and Milena Smit play Janis and Ana, each pregnant for the first time, both single and sharing a hospital room. They give birth simultaneously. Janis is joyous and full of hope. Ana, frightened and full of regret. Their lives are for ever bonded from this point on. But the depth in this work comes via Janis's links to her past and the moments that separate the cotton thread that life hangs by. But, I'm not about to spoil the mysteries that lie ahead.
"That was weird" came one comment I heard in the foyer after my preview showing. "What about, I'M SO EXCITED," should have been a response to this comment. But if you haven't tasted the wares of Almodovar previously, then PARALLEL MOTHERS would be a good place to start. Begin by focusing on the upper layer of the story, the bond between Janis and Ana. The characters have a fondness for one another and the dream like soundtrack makes for an easy viewing passage. Then, when you're done, just see if your mind takes you back to thinking more deeply about your first foray into the creative mind of Pedro Almodovar.
I'm liking PARALLEL MOTHERS more, the more I think about it. I'm 15 hours on now. Almodovar is hoping the film will linger in peoples memories so that the atrocities of Franco's War ('36 - '39) will not be forgotten. The film's third layer leading to the final impactful scene dwells on one particular atrocity Janis is pursuing. Ironically enough, a pursuit that lead to her joyously, empowering pregnancy.
PARALLEL MOTHERS doesn't completely hold together for me, but I wouldn't have missed it for quids. Any Almodovar fan will luxuriate in his latest offering. And is there a film-maker who presents Cruz so impactfully? The poise and brilliance of her style mixed with her elegant beauty radiates here. I wonder who feels more blessed with each new project they embark upon, Pedro or Penelope?10GUMS.
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