“Volver” (Sony Pictures Classics)
It’s All About Penelope
Penelope Cruz is the star of Pedro Almodovar’s new film “Volver.” The relationship between this director and his star make for movie magic. No one can interpret Almodovar’s work like Penelope, and no one can get as good a performance out of her as Almodovar can. It is the perfect symbiotic relationship.
In the film Penelope plays Raimunda, a woman caught up in a bad marriage. She is a good sister, a good mother, but as a wife the relationship is strained. A tragic accident frees her of her husband but other relationships crop up top cause complications. One of the most complicating is her dead mother Irene (Carmern Maura) appearing first to Raimunda’s aunt and then to her sister.
The film is enjoyable and entertaining but it is mostly an ode to the talent and beauty of Penelope Cruz. In all of her American films she has never looked this beautiful or acted with such skill. Her actions and look in this film are reminiscent of Sophia Loren in her prime. Raimunda is a woman who is on her on and can handle whatever life throws her way. If she is given a lemon of a situation she will make lemonade.
Pedro Almodovar is great at taking situations in life and bringing them to the screen. In most respects these are slices of life, moments in time that show the inner workings of a character. The movie focuses on a week or so in Raimunda’s life. During this time her marriage ends, her mother “comes back,” she starts a career as a restaurant operator, and a bond is formed between her and her daughter Paula (Yohanna Cobo). Each aspect of her life is played for the warmth, humor and humanness of the situation.
The film is rated R for profanity and mild violence.
Penelope Cruz’ performance in “Volver” has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. When you watch this movie you can certainly see that it was justified. She is a beautiful earth mother in this movie and she makes everything around her come to life. Hollywood may not know how to use her talents but Almodovar certainly does.
“Volver” is a Spanish film with English subtitles. Thus you have to read the dialogue. Still you can watch Cruz’ expressive face and see most of the emotional impact of this movie resting there.
I scored “Volver” a Cruz controlled 7 out of 10.
