Volver
The world of the Director is a boy’s game. There are just a handful of female directors who are producing work and only a handful of them are actually appreciated in their fields. What does that mean for the state of women in film? If you let out a loud roar of laughter then you fully understand where I am coming from. Women are largely portrayed wrong, vapid cut outs of a dreaming man who sees the female population as serving creature to however they like. That practice is wrong.
Not all directors are like that. Not all male writers are like that. The writing of women is not confined to the gender. I know that there are men who write and direct seemingly effortlessly because they so rightly know that women are one thing; human.
This has never been so apparent then with Pedro Aldomovar. And especially with his work, Volver.
Starring an actress he has worked with countless amount of times, Penelope Cruz. Cruz stars as Raimuda, an orphan who spends her days with her daughter Paula and her sister Sole. Sole and Raimuda’s parents died in a fire a long time ago and ever since they have been looking after their Aunt. However, when their Aunt dies, Raimuda and Sole find themselves in peculiar events. Raimuda must protect her daughter after Paula kills her father who attempted to rape her and Sole finds their mother has risen from the dead in order to tie up loose ends. Volver is an effective melodrama about women who are dealing with their circumstances.
Aldomovar has produced one of the most heart breaking but wonderfully comic movie that in its tone is so real that it is impossible not to love this. Each women is this rounded source of equal misery and happiness that they balance impeccable well. Almost magically, the air of Volver is full of humanity. It twists and turns with the events and moments, as of every age they become entwined in this battle against life. With the strength of actresses like Cruz and Carmen Maura, Aldomovar allows them to explore their emotions and stresses.
Cinematography here is excellent and exquisite. Cinematographer is Jose Luis Alcaine brings an eloquent use of colour that is bright, poignant and vivid. Each character seemingly has their own theme and that is brilliant. For example, Raimuda has these vibrant shades of red as her life is dictated by love and anger. Sole has more earthy and natural tones. It’s this attention to detail that makes the film become more alive visually as well as in its story. Add this to Aldomovar’s eye for the noir and Volver is an enchanting watch indeed.
Volver is a powerful movie, an execution of talent who pull off an unforgettable watch. It is about those who will do anything for their loved ones and family, women who are strong enough to move forward and acceptance and forgiveness from the family. Volver is an incredible Spanish movie.