1995 Movie
Dir. Pedro Almodóvar · France, Spain · French, Spanish
Pedro Almodóvar steps out of his usual style in this subtle, perceptive romantic drama
Among the gems in Pedro Almodóvar’s filmography, The Flower of My Secret can seem rather tame in comparison. After all, in the actual plot, no one dies, gets seriously injured, or has their rights horribly violated. Even the sex strictly remains within marriage. It’s an interesting choice to make, especially the film’s protagonist goes through a midlife crisis after years of writing safe, escapist romances, reflecting an anxiety of being stuck in a creative space that’s outgrown. The romantic drama pokes fun at the silly ways Leo tries to deal with it, but as it does so, The Flower of My Secret subtly contemplates the art chiseled down by business as well as the creative spark that frees these artists.
Middle-aged romance author Leo writes under a pseudonym, since she despises her own work. At home, her husband, who works overseas, is distant both physically and emotionally. As she reevaluates her life and writing, Leo is led to an unexpected relationship with Ángel, a sensitive newspaper editor.
Under the pseudonym Amanda Gris, Spanish writer Leo Macias pens romance novels in the absence of her husband Paco, who’s away serving in the Bosnian War. However, when she meets newspaper editor Ángel, her writing and her life starts to change.
Compared to Almodóvar’s other work, the plot itself is not as provocative, but the underlying themes are, and thankfully, the other style elements still bear his signature.
Okay, but still having to write fifteen novels in 3 years, after maybe 20 years in the industry? No wonder Leo was burned out!
Goya Awards
6 noms
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
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