We saw Pedro Almodóvar's new film, and the decor almost steals the show

Each Pedro Almodóvar film is a visual explosion. It is impossible not to notice the passion and intensity of his reds, in compositions that give the colors the status of characters. This also happens in his most recent feature, Pain and Glory ( Dolor y Gloria , Spain, 2019), in which Almodóvar offers interiors as autobiographical as the script itself. The tone is more austere and introspective than usual, but the care taken with the visuals stands out. Like always. For those who love design, attention is sometimes divided between the interiors of the houses and the melancholy of the protagonist Salvador Mallo (Antonio Banderas), a filmmaker in decline who represents the director's ego. Penélope Cruz, Cecilia Roth and Leonardo Sbaraglia are also in the cast. Salvador's apartment is the main setting, created by decorator Antxon Gómez. Spacious, eclectic, intimate and full of works of art, it portrays the private universe of a character centered on himself. “It looks like a museum”, someone exclaims upon seeing the house. “I invested everything I earned in these paintings”, responds Salvador, bringing to light the amount of time it took to create the house’s identity.

Personal collection

Several pieces of furniture, paintings, decorative objects and lamps are from Almodóvar's personal collection. A true lesson in the best of 20th century design. It is said that, during filming, the production went in and out of Pedro Almodóvar's apartment with objects to compose the decor. Inspired by the director's own address in Madrid, the environments of Salvador's apartment frame the actions and contribute to the film's immersive atmosphere. Many conversations and everyday situations take place at the kitchen table - which draws attention to the bright tones of red in the woodwork and turquoise in the tiles. A glass door that appears in the film is identical to the one Almodóvar has at home - designed by Patricia Urquiola. The blue coffee cup is from the Bleu D'Ailleurs line, by Hermès. The Smeg toaster is ubiquitous, being a limited edition for Dolce&Gabanna.

The house of Alberto Crespo (Asier Etxeandia), an actor who has participated in Salvador's films, belongs to someone who lives in a more remote neighborhood. The single-story residence houses his memories, present in the furniture and posters. The floor is beautiful. Pain and Glory sees objects as expressions of memory, in a film that reflects on aging, love, relationships, the passage of time, the difficulties of facing the present and many other topics. In addition to being another visual experience well constructed by Almodóvar. Watch the trailer. [april-see-also]W3siaWQiOjY4OTY0LCJ0aXRsZSI6IkNpbmVtYSBlIGRlc2lnbjogMTAgbW9tZW50b3MgZGEgRWFtZXMgTG91bmdlIENoYWlyIGVtIGZpbG1lcyBlIHMmI3hFOTtyaWVzIn0seyJpZCI 6Nz k3Nyw idGl0bGUiOiJMaW5hIEJvIEJhcmRpICYjeEU5OyB0ZW1hIGRlIHBvZXNpYSB2aXN1YWwgZW0gTG9uZHJlcyJ9XQ==[/abril-see-also]