TIFF 09: Broken Embraces

Well, the 34th Toronto International Film Festival is about ready to kick off, and I thought I would preview a few selections that have caught my eye in the programme.
Today, I feature a new work from famed Spanish director Pedro Almodovar - Broken Embraces (Los Abrazos Roto). A follow up to 2006's "Volver", it has been showing on European screens throughout the summer. It makes it's North American premiere in Toronto on September 10.

Lluís Homar stars as the former Mateo Blanco, an ex-director who has changed his name to Harry Caine after losing his sight in an automobile accident. (Interestingly enough, Almodovar made a spinoff short film, around the same time, called "The Cannibalistic Councillor", in which he plays a character named Mateo Blanco.)

The past comes back to haunt Mateo, with news of the death of Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez), the producer of one of Mateo/Harry's old movies ("Girls and Suitcases"). Ensuing clashes between business and family associates abound. The film flashes back to the early '90s, when Martel became involved with his secretary, Lena (Cruz). Despite his blindness, Mateo falls for Lena's beauty. A jealous Martel, in turn, commissions a documentary about the making of "Girls and Suitcases" as an excuse to keep an eye on Mateo and Lena. Martel watches as Mateo runs off with Lena, setting the stage for an elaborate plot of revenge against Mateo.

Stylized and rich in colors, specifically the colour red, Broken Embraces is a delight to the eye. Set amongst the beautiful landscapes of Ibiza and Lanzarote, the scenery captures the romance and idyllic life of the regions. It proves an interesting juxtaposition to the almost dysfunctional relationships of the film's characters.

For film buffs, Almodavar stocks his script full of movie references, including Magnificent Obsession and Fellini's 8-1/2, two films seen in Mateo's DVD collection.

Opening in the U.S. in limited release on November 20, this is one to watch for.

Enjoy the trailer....