1/25/2020 - Pain and Glory - 7/10

While possibly self-absorbed, I felt that this was a beautiful exploration of a man’s struggles, the fleeting moments of childhood that protruded in his self-identifying memories, and a roundabout journey through the creative process - from germination to fruition. I wouldn’t put it at the top of Almodóvar’s heap, but I did think it was quite stirring and synthesized well.

Banderas owns the screen, melting into this pained, adrift, and struggling artist. It is controlled but fluid, and delivers the moments of passion and loss that are needed, without any over-the-top showboating from the screenplay.

*I don’t think there is a single movie before this that said “chasing the dragon” more. +1 in the P&G column*