"Talk to Her"

Paper Summary:

This paper contends that Spanish filmmaker, Pedro Almodovar often presents his themes in a satiric and comic framework emphasizing certain melodramatic and exaggerated elements. The paper discusses his film "Talk to Her" and claims that it is not as darkly comedic or as exaggerated as some of his films. The paper examines how he uses the various elements of film to heighten the odd nature of his characters and to illuminate their inner states on the basis of external action, sets and camerawork. The paper explains that a primary mental state for these characters is that of audience, for life to a great degree is a spectator sport at which they are better as observers than participants.

From the Paper:

"The film maintains a certain theatricality throughout, beginning with the opening shot, which is revealed as a curtain is drawn back as if for a stage play. Indeed, the first thing seen in the film is a stage play, a very odd interaction at which the main character is seated in the audience. The film ends in the theater once more, and the sense of life as a theater piece infuses the film. Two men are watching the performance, Marco and Benigno. They do not know each other, but they will become friends later and will be important to each other, serving as complements to one another."

More papers on "Talk to Her":

• Article Review # 103416 : "TV Talk Shows"
• Term Paper # 101136 : "Where Are You Going?" and "Smooth Talk"
• Research Paper # 31826 : "A Woman Ahead of Her Time"

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