Carne trémula (1997)

Director:

Pedro Almodóvar

Writers:

Pedro Almodóvar (writer)
Jorge Guerricaechevarría (writer)

Release Date:

16 January 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance | Thriller

Tagline:

Life, love, desire...and everything in between.

Plot:

After leaving jail, Víctor is still in love with Elena, but she's married to the former cop -now basketball player- who became paralysed by a shot from Víctor's gun...

Plot Keywords:

Gun | Basketball | Wheelchair | Jail | Wheelchair Basketball

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 8 wins & 9 nominations

Cast

Javier Bardem	...	David
Francesca Neri	...	Elena
Liberto Rabal	...	Víctor Plaza
Ángela Molina	...	Clara (as Angela Molina)
José Sancho	...	Sancho (as Jose Sancho)
Penélope Cruz	...	Isabel Plaza Caballero (as Penelope Cruz)
Pilar Bardem	...	Doña Centro de Mesa
Álex Angulo	...	Conductor del autobús (as Alex Angulo)
Mariola Fuentes	...	Clementina
Yael Be	...	Chica
Josep Molins	...	Josep
Daniel Lanchas	...	Conductor
María Rosenfeldt	...	Niña (as Maria Rosenfeldt)

Also Known As:

Live Flesh (UK) (USA)
Carne de cañón (Spain) (working title)
En chair et en os (France)
Trembling Flesh (International: English title) (literal title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexuality, language and some drug content.

Runtime:

103 min

Country:

France | Spain

Language:

Spanish | Italian

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:14 (original rating) | Iceland:16 (video rating) | Italy:T | Argentina:16 | Australia:MA | Canada:18A | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | France:U | Germany:12 | Hong Kong:III | Mexico:C | New Zealand:R18 | Peru:18 | Portugal:M/16 | Singapore:R(A) | South Korea:18 | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R | Canada:16+ (Quebec)

Filming Locations:

Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Company:

CiBy 2000

Trivia:

Javier Bardem's mother Pilar plays the midwife who delivers Victor at the start of the film.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Man yan (2004)

Soundtrack:

Somos

Try Not To Have Fun With This Crazy Movie By Almodovar -- You Can't

Part Hitchcock thriller, part Sirk melodrama and part Wilder cynical comedy, this far-fetched, and at times, absurd and overheated drama is destined to become one of my favorite Almodovar films. The film's plot is ridiculous, filled with unbelievable twists and silly coincidences (and a stupid happy conclusion to boot), but it is energetically directed by a filmmaker that never ceases to amaze me. It is as if Almodovar said, "forget logic, and let's have some fun." This attitude worked for Hitchcock, Argento, and De Palma, and it certainly works for Almodovar. Critics may complain about the film's lack of substance, but Almodovar's stylish direction is more than enough to make the production satisfying and interesting. I don't think it is as good as Almodovar's "Talk to Her (2001)" and "Bad Education (2004)" (my favorite Almodovar films, so far), but it is definitely one of the best Spanish films I've seen. It is wickedly funny, and very sensual movie, but not for viewers who demand realistic situations. Affonso Beato's cinematography is brilliant, and Alberto Iglesias' over the top music score reminds me of Miklos Rozsa in his prime. Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.