The Vernon Film Society’s next film is directed by Spain’s Pedro Almodóvar, one of the cinema’s greatest directors of films about women.
With his latest film, Julieta, it is only fitting that he has chosen to adapt the work of Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro.
Using three short stories from the Canadian writer’s book Runaway, Almodóvar relocates the setting to Spain, creating a textured tale of the strained relationship between a mother and daughter.
When we first meet Julieta (Emma Suárez), she is a 55-year-old teacher about to move to Lisbon with her husband, Lorenzo (Dario Grandinetti), until an unexpected encounter brings an end to those plans and, unbeknownst to Lorenzo, Juliet insists she must remain in Madrid.
A flashback reveals Julieta as a beautiful young woman (Adriana Ugarte) who meets and is enchanted by a handsome young man, Xoan (Daniel Grao). In short order, Julieta becomes pregnant and moves to Xoan’s idyllic fishing village, marries him, and begins to raise their daughter Anita.
The film moves backwards and forwards in time as it chronicles Julieta’s relationship and eventual break with her daughter. As in Almodovar’s previous films, Julieta reflects on the magic of chance encounters and the fragility of relationships in the face of long-buried secrets.
“A slick, stylish melodrama with an involving story and a cracking cast. Star Adriana Ugarte is a real find,” wrote Anna Smith in Empire Magazine.
Julieta screens Monday, March 6 at the Vernon Towne Cinema at the regular times of 5:15 and 7:45 p.m. Tickets are available one week ahead at the Towne Cinema and the Bean Scene for $7. Rated 14A for some nudity and sexually suggestive scenes. Cash only.