MovieChat Forums > La flor de mi secreto (1996) Discussion > My Impressions

My Impressions

posted 22 years ago by mob61uk
8 replies | jump to latest

I find Almodovar's output rather uneven, but this film - for me - is
him on top form. I think one of the main reason's why I like it so
much, is the agnificent central performance by Marisa Paredes. She
plays Leo Macias, a rather neurotic writer of romantic fiction, whose
marriage is on the rocks, and who relies heavily on a network of
friends to get by in life. When she finds out the truth about her
husband, she begins to make some changes in her life.

Almodovar usually writes good parts for women, but Leo must rank
amongst the best. The character is written with great skill, and
brought to life so touchingly by Paredes.

[–] mac_alain 17 years ago

I wholeheartedly agree with you on Paredes's performance but having said that, the remainder of the cast, without singling anyone out, is simply terrific too.

[–] SeisCinemaSeis 15 years ago

I think this is one of his worst films. A soap opera "a la Almodóvar". Too corny and melodramatic. Some of his earlier works looks quite cheesy and amateurish in comparison but at least they have Almodóvar's trademark, they are irreverent, iconoclastic, cynical, absurd, hilarious, shocking, etc.

Luckyly after this flawed film, Almodóvar learnt the lesson and went to produce his best films on a row: Todo sobre mi madre (All About My Mother), Hable con ella (Talk to Her) and La mala educación (The Bad Education). Even Volver is much better than this boring melodrama.

[–] junio 15 years ago

Wow, old thread but all right. I just watched this movie and I think it's easily one of Pedro's best. As usual the performances are a strong point and his screenplay is especially good.

If I had to list my favorite of his movies it would probably go down like this:

1. Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios
2. Volver
3. La mala educación
4. La flor de mi secreto
5. La ley del deseo

[–] sergio_lv13 14 years ago

I find that I react differently to his movies at different points in my life. I just watched The flower of my secret again after not having seen it for about a year and absolutely loved it! The performances are simply terrific, Marisa Paredes, Rossy de Palma and Chus are wonderful and a real treat to watch. The story is engaging and "Leo" though neurotic and selfish is one darn interesting character and I ended up sympathizing with her so much. Everything from the way it was shot, to the music to the plot was great!

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] ibbi 13 years ago

He writes women, and relations between them, really well. He gets great performances out of them too, and the fellas, and it all just works so breezily. Paredes was tremendous though, yes. No doubt about it.

___
darth vader is luke skywalker's father

[–] Jamal-Nazreddin 12 years ago

I love what Sergio says above, that one can react differently to his movies at different points of one's life.

So true.

[–] Hazekiah 11 years ago

"Leo....whose marriage is on the rocks...," lol.

i c wut u dd thurr

;)