Weve all got a type, us blokes. Some of us like blondes, some brunettes some even like other blokes, apparently. Chubby hospital-worker Benigno Martin (Javier Camara) likes his women to be quite quiet, and not too excitable which is probably why he falls head-over-heels in love with Alicia (Leonor Watling). Shes pretty, shes laid back, she never makes a fuss about anything oh yeah, and shes in a coma.
Yup, its fair to say Benigno is a bit special. Trusted by Alicias dad to look after the poor girl, he spends his days camped by her bedside, reading to her, chatting about his creepy dead mother, and telling her about his trips to the cinema to watch rubbish-looking silent movies (one of which looks like it could very well be titled Honey, I Shrunk the Pervert).
Anyway, when he meets Argentinean journalist Marco (Dario Grandinetti), the pair strike up an almost instant friendship which is perhaps a bit of a surprise, given that Marco seems comparatively normal. But it turns out theyve got something in common, as Marcos bit on the side (Rosario Flores) is also in a coma, having been stomped on by a bull during her day job as Spains top bitter female matador. Serves her right, if you ask me.
This remarkably powerful twisted love story from top Spanish director Pedro Almodovar really does make a huge impact, provided youve got the patience to stick with it. It starts off incredibly slowly, and for the first half hour just doesnt seem to be getting anywhere. But, as the story gradually builds up, the characters become more and more fascinating, and as the plot reaches its climax it takes a couple of turns that you definitely wont see coming.
Without doubt this is a film thats worth seeing Benigno in particular is as interesting a character as Ive seen on-screen this year, occupying a strange position somewhere between sympathy and repulsion. Its also unexpectedly funny in places, though if it can be called a comedy its certainly one of the darkest entries to the genre in a long, long time.