5 Foreign Language Filmmaking Masters

By David Braga /

2. Pedro Almodovar

Almodovar might be the greatest stylist working in international cinema. His films are explosions of carefully constructed color and design, all brimming (or boiling over) with a certain amount of lust (sometimes just the darker side of it). Point is, you know when you€™re watching a film by Almodovar, no matter what genre he's working in. But while many of his films are based around family and romantic crises, Almodovar isn€™t afraid to go to some dark places either. 2004€™s Bad Education was a deep and moving reflection on how childhood sexual abuse can shatter lives as they grow, while 2011€™s The Skin I Live In explores obsession and revenge in the wake of personal tragedy. His films can be light and enjoyable or surprisingly heavy, and with such an extensive filmography, he€™s been able to dabble in just about everything over the years. Prolific and unique, Almodovar is one of the most important voices in international cinema. Start with: Either Talk to Her or Volver. I personally think Talk to Her is the better film, but Volver is an easier story to digest and enjoy.