My critical research study..

[Rookie]

I'm currently studying media studies at A-Level and have chosen to do a critical research study about Pedro Almodovar and his films.

My hypothesis is "How is gender represented in films by Pedro Almodovar and do they reflect Spanish culture?"

I was wondering if anyone has seen any of his films and whether anyone would like to discuss their views of my hypothesis to help me come to a conclusion :]

Let me know what you think!

This will go towards my primary research section.

Gracias!
xx

[Juanjo]

I'm currently studying media studies at A-Level and have chosen to do a critical research study about Pedro Almodovar and his films.

My hypothesis is "How is gender represented in films by Pedro Almodovar and do they reflect Spanish culture?"

I was wondering if anyone has seen any of his films and whether anyone would like to discuss their views of my hypothesis to help me come to a conclusion :]

Let me know what you think!

This will go towards my primary research section.

Gracias!
xx

Google "Almodovar gender" and you will find a lot of good stuff from Durham University you can use as input.

[Juanjo]

Books by Paui Julian Smith (Oxford) are another good source. Check out Amazon for titles.

[Ben]

My hypothesis is "How is gender represented in films by Pedro Almodovar and do they reflect Spanish culture?"I always thought that his films were far more connected to his own sexuality and 'mundo' than with the reality on the streets of Spain today.

[markoCR]

Jamón Jamón is a good example of gender representation. You have the typical macho man and the woman at home making tortilla. My brother had to write a similar essay in the summer focusing on that film which I helped him with.

I don't think I've ever watched an Almodóvar film without at some point wondering what the heck was going on!

[Legazpi]

My hypothesis is "How is gender represented in films by Pedro Almodovar and do they reflect Spanish culture?"


I suspect Almodovar is more interested in influencing Spanish culture than reflecting on it. He was part of "La Movida" in the 80's, which was partly an attempt to experiment with and change Spanish culture (to make the unacceptable acceptable), especially regarding attitudes towards homosexuality. I expect some of that carries on into his films.

Some of his films such as "Mujeres al borde..." exaggerate Spanish culture in the same way that say "Our You Being Served?" (if you're old enough to remember it) exagerates British culture. They are parodies. Others such as "La Mala Educación" are more serious, however I think films such as "Te Doy Mis Ojos" and "Los Lunes Al Sol" provide a lot more insight.

Regarding gender, in the few films I have seen, the main characters are usually women or gay men, and portrayed in a sympathetic light. Straight male characters, if there are any, usually have secondary parts. But I doubt if you needed me to tell you that;)

[Rookie]

Thank you everyone!

Do you think that the way gender is represented in his films are more stereotypical of spain and are not accurate depictions of real spanish culture?
Or does Almodovar simply subvert the spanish stereotypes?

[markoCR]

Thank you everyone!

Do you think that the way gender is represented in his films are more stereotypical of spain and are not accurate depictions of real spanish culture?
Or does Almodovar simply subvert the spanish stereotypes?

I haven't seen all of his films but from the ones I've seen he almost seems to make fun of the typical foreigners view of Spain. I wouldn't say they were actually typical of Spanish culture, although in some villages you do still people who have a very traditional way of thinking and life (my suegros for example!).

[Cide Hamete Benengeli VII]

If you live in the U.S. you don't have to be very old to know about Are You Being Served? It is still regularly shown on public television here.

..."Our You Being Served?" (if you're old enough to remember it)...