Almodóvar’s second feature is a wild screwball comedy set in the liberated atmosphere of early 1980s’ Madrid. Almost an experimental soap opera, it follows the love story of Sexilia (Cecilia Roth), pop star and nymphomaniac, and Riza (Imanol Arias), a gay Middle Eastern prince living incognito. Around this are numerous digressions involving Riza’s stepmother trying to obtain his sperm, a terrorist plot to kidnap Riza complicated by one of the terrorists falling in love with his target, and a very complicated plan for the two lovers to escape together.

However, the convoluted plot is less important than the gusto with which Almodóvar embraces his odd characters and bizarre situations. The film also saw him cement relationships with those who would become his regular performers, including Cecilia Roth and Antonio Banderas (Notes by Kevin Coyne.)

The IFI’s Focus on Pedro Almodóvar runs at the IFI from April 2nd to 24th. We are delighted to host a preview of Pedro Almodóvar’s new film I’m So Excited followed by a satellite Q&A with the director on April 23rd at 18.30. I’m So Excited opens at the IFI on May 3rd.