Talk To Her (Hable Con Ella) Directed by Pedro Almodovar. Starring: Javier Camara, Rosario Flores, Dario Grandinetti, Leonor Watling. Following the global success of the outstanding 'All About my Mother' in 1999, the ever-intelligent and original Pedro Almodovar stays true to his cinematic convictions with a sublime follow up. His penchant for the bizarre, the artistic, the tragic and the comedic still very much in evidence, 'Talk To Her' is a mature progression from one of art house cinemas' leading talents. With his trademark attention to detail, compassionate writing and artistic flair Almodovar's seal of genius is all over this film from the very first frame. 'Talk To Her' revolves around the unusual and unlikely friendship between two men who meet in a hospital waiting room. Benigno (Camara) is a mild-mannered nurse obsessively tending to comatose "Partner" Alicia (Watling). Marco (Grandinetti) is an Argentinean travel writer struggling to come to terms with the crippling injury to girlfriend Lydia (Flores), a female bullfighter. With both women in intensive care, the story is filled out in the form of flashbacks, Benigno's "mother issues" and the start of his obsession with Alicia and the background to Marco's tempestuous affair with matador Lydia. As he spends more and more time caring for Alicia, Benigno's infatuation manifests itself in more sinister ways.

This is a unique story of loss, loneliness, friendship and relationships, thoughtfully told and perfectly captured. One of Almodovar's great skills is his creative combination of tragedy and comedy, the use of black comedy offers an ideal counter-balance to the darker elements of the story. The performances are first-rate across the board and the lavish soundtrack is the perfect compliment to the sumptuous camera work. For those unfamiliar with the Spanish cinematic renaissance, Almodovar would be the perfect place to begin. 'Talk To Her' is an incredibly accomplished piece of cinema, the continued evolution of a true artist. Sam Groombridge. samgroombridge@hotmail.com Talk about this review on our forum now.

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