How cool is it to wake up on Christmas and find an Almodóvar movie under the tree? Or playing at the Angelika, at any rate.
Broken Embraces is the great Spaniard’s first film since 2006’s Volver, which was a perfectly fine entertainment. It marked the first time Penélope Cruz had a film placed on her strong shoulders and was asked to carry it, and she responded with a performance that included earth-mother sensuality—a Mediterranean earth mother, at any rate—and street-wise toughness. She was unapologetically a tough broad.
Almodóvar has pushed her in a different direction this time. She’s still dangerously desirable. But now the danger extends to herself, not just to the brutish men who are drawn to her. That’s because her Lena is also heartbreakingly vulnerable, a tragic heroine from a Douglas Sirk-style melodrama.
That melodrama forms one of the narrative boxes, or stories-within-stories, that Almodóvar plays with here. I’ve put off talking about the way he tells his story for this long because a) I’d need lots of space—and skill—to do it justice and b) I’m very afraid of making Broken Embraces sound like homework. Believe me, it’s not. The story’s complicated, but Almodóvar has become such a master of framing, and of narrative in general, that he’s able to make the viewer respond to his puzzles emotionally rather than intellectually.
The story begins in the apartment of a blind screenwriter who works (and lives) under the pseudonym of Harry Caine (Lluís Homar). Under his real name, Mateo Blanco, he had once been a top director, but a car accident blinded him 14 years before. Now he has to work in words rather than images. He gets a mysterious visit from a young man who wants to make a movie about how his cruel and powerful father ruined his life. He sees the movie as his revenge.
By his voice, Caine recognizes the young man as the son of his mortal enemy. This encounter triggers what you’d technically have to call a flashback, but that term is so woefully inadequate for the movie-within-a-movie that transpires, which is in fact the emotional heart of the movie. Cruz’ Lena was the cruel man’s mistress. Suffocating under his control and his riches, Lena decides to give acting a try. When the director, Blanco, falls in love with her during her audition, a battle for her heart and body begins between the director and the rich industrialist, who counts Lena as his most prized possession.
At the same time, there’s a battle within Lena for her own soul.
The rich man fights dirty. When Lena and Blanco disappear together, the rich man takes his revenge—on the film that they had been making together. He’d produced it himself, as favor to Lena, and after they’re gone he releases it in mutilated form.
Blanco ultimately loses Lena (I can’t tell you how, but it’s wrenching), along with his sight. Now, 14 years later, he can only begin to heal the past by reediting his adulterated film. And the fact that he can’t see is more a challenge than a curse.
Longtime Almodóvar watchers will recognize the compromised film as a retelling of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. This strange “remake” is both funny and sad. The scenes we see are quite amusing, but they also make us aware of how much time has passed for Almodóvar and for us. (The effect is oddly similar to seeing the Seinfeld “reunion show” on Curb Your Enthusiasm.)
Almodóvar has now turned to memory for inspiration. But he’s not nostalgic, strictly speaking. He’s still exploring, but no longer groping. He’s into the second or third draft of his ongoing masterpiece, which I’d have to count as the great film achievement of the last 30 years.
The film isn’t perfect. He now tries to cram so much story into each film that some elements get a line or two of expository dialogue, rather than the subplot they truly deserve. He seriously damaged the ending of Volver by doing just that. But when this film finally wobbles under its own narrative weight, Almodóvar rights it brilliantly, giving us a final image of ravishing melancholy.
Yes, Sunday will be the day where everyone will watch the Super Bowl to either the Chiefs and Eagles go at it once again – or just check out all the expensive commercials.
Still, lots of fun things are going down in H-Town this weekend: the return of Cirque du Soleil, film screenings that celebrate two recently deceased artists, a home and garden show, an event where you can play with Legos, and live stand-up from the guy who gave us “Whazzup!”
Thursday, February 6
Cirque du Soleil: ECHO
Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil: ECHO, this 20th Big Top Show where poetry, stagecraft, daring acrobatics, and cutting-edge technology come together to explore the delicate balance between people, animals, and the world we all share. Fueled by the power of invention, the hope of the youth, and the importance of empathy, Cirque du Soleil: ECHO invites the audience to participate in a universe of color, wonder, and infinite possibilities. Through Sunday, March 9. 7:30 pm (3:30 and 7 pm Saturday; 1 and 4:30 pm Sunday).
Houston Cinema Arts Society presents Claudine
In this 1974 working-class dramedy, Claudine (Diahann Carroll) is a single mother in New York City who endures an exhausting commute to the suburbs where she works as a maid for wealthy families. She meets Roop (the late James Earl Jones), a charismatic but irresponsible garbage collector. Romance quickly ensues, but Claudine doubts that their relationship is good for her six children. After the screening, college professor/film critic Ralph Nickerson will discuss the evolution of Black cinema. 7:30 pm.
Punch Line Houston presents Kyle Kinane
Kyle Kinane is a comedian from Addison, Illinois. As a comedian, he has been on Conan, The Tonight Show, Netflix’s The Standups, and three of his own hour-length specials on Comedy Central. As an actor, he’s been in the Judd Apatow series Love and truTV’s Those Who Can’t. As a voice-over actor, he was the former voice of Comedy Central for eight years and played Bullet on the Netflix series Paradise PD. 7:30 pm (7:30 and 9:45 pm Friday; 7 and 9: 15 pm Saturday).
Friday, February 7
Houston Home + Garden Show
The Houston Home + Garden Show is a place to discover the country's best new renovation ideas, interesting products, and the preeminent resources for home improvement and landscaping. The spring 2025 show will feature HGTV celebrities Lyndsay Lamb and Leslie Davis, Destin Noak (aka the Texas Garden Guy), a plant market presented by PlantCon International, Petopia, food trucks, adoptable furry friends from the Houston Humane Society, and more. 11 am (10 am Saturday; 9 am Sunday).
Czech Center Museum Houston presents "Forgotten Gateway: Coming to America Through Galveston Island" opening night
From 1845 to 1924, the Port of Galveston was a major gateway for American immigration. This exhibition is the first of its kind to explore Galveston’s legacy as a port of entry on a national scale. It brings to light the little-known yet rich era of Galveston’s history and its importance to the growth of Texas and the American Midwest. The exhibition highlights enduring themes in the history of immigration including the dangers of the journey, making a life in a new land, navigating bureaucracy, and confronting discrimination. Through Tuesday, April 28. 6 pm.
Asia Society Texas presents The Big Swim
The Big Swim celebrates Lunar New Year with a one-act opera. In this retelling of the Jade Emperor and the Great Race — a fable that sets the order of the 12 animals in the zodiac calendar — the animals learn to put aside fierce competition to instead care for and support one another, side by side. The work will be presented as part of its Lunar New Year festivities and will be preceded by activities, including shadow puppets, calligraphy demonstrations, and an original children's dance piece. 6:30 pm (2 pm Saturday and Sunday).
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Mulholland Drive
Revered filmmaker and artist David Lynch passed away last month. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston mourns the loss of this visionary artist and presents one of his most acclaimed films, 2001’s Mulholland Drive, shown in glorious 35mm! This seductive and surreal vision of Los Angeles’s dream factory is a tale of love, jealousy, and revenge that earned Lynch the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival. 7 pm (2 pm Sunday).
Saturday, February 8
Brick Fest Live
Brick Fest Live is all-in on imagination with stations and attractions designed to inspire creativity and play. Families can get hands-on with different brick challenges throughout the event as well as explore community collab builds and master creations from all over the world. The event will feature a Guinness World Record Challenge where visitors can help create a massive floor mosaic. There will also be a Giant Brick Pit where everyone can explore a play area filled with over 200,000 colorful bricks. 9 am (10 am Sunday).
The Shop Club Houston presents Midday Motors
The Shop Club Houston and Hagerty Insurance will present Midday Motors, an event that will bring car enthusiasts and brunch lovers together for a one-of-a-kind experience. Midday Motors welcomes vehicles of all makes, models, and years, offering a vibrant showcase of automotive excellence. With more than 250 parking spaces available, attendees will have ample opportunity to explore the diverse lineup of cars and connect with fellow enthusiasts who share their love for the open road. 10 am.
International Voices Houston presents Arte Puro
International Voices Houston presents Arte Puro, an organization with the mission to bring Hispanic music and art to the stage through musical fusion and artistic collaboration. This show will feature Artists-in-Residence Cecilia Duarte (mezzo soprano) and Jesús Pacheco (percussion), in collaboration with International Voices Houston musicians, performing a special recital celebrating Hispanic culture and music, including works by Manuel de Falla, Alberto Ginastera, Manuel Ponce, Javier Busto, and more. 7 pm.
Martin Lawrence: Y’all Know What It Is! Tour
Comedy legend Martin Lawrence comes to Houston as part of his first comedy tour since 2016. The Y’all Know What It Is! tour is an all-new stand-up show and fresh one-hour set where Lawrence, the man who assumed such memorable characters as Sheneneh, Tyrone, and Dragonfly Jones on his beloved Fox sitcom Martin, brings the real talk and finds the funny in everything from family to culture as only he can. He'll be joined by fellow comedians Rickey Smiley, Adele Givens, and Benji Brown. 8 pm.
Sunday, February 9
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts presents Relaxed and Sensory Inclusive Performance: Orígenes: Voice and Percussion Through the Ages
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts,in partnership with Ars Lyrica Houston, presentsa sensory inclusive performance ofOrígenes: Voice and Percussion Through the Ages, an exploration of Spanish and Latin American musical traditions, Relaxed and sensory inclusive performances offer a welcoming environment for individuals with sensory differences and their families to enjoy and include adjustments like modified lighting in audience spaces, designated quiet and activity areas in the lobby, sensory supports, trained volunteers, and more. 1 pm.
PlazAmericas presents “San Valentin” Valentine’s Day Celebration
PlazAmericas will celebrate Valentine’s Day early this weekend. Experience Chinelos Morelenses, a traditional dance with costumed dancers and popular in the Mexican state of Morelos, in addition to a folklórico performance (aka the traditional folk dance of Mexico). Additionally, Mariachi Perla Tapatía will perform festive and traditional Mexican music and The Milto Show will showcase a comedic performance. Fun giveaways and contests will take place throughout the event, which is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. 1 pm.
Theatre Under the Stars presents Mean Girls
Sunday will be the last day for Theatre Under the Stars’ run of Mean Girls, the Broadway musical based on the 2004 high-school comedy that made a star out of Lindsay Lohan and was written by Tina Fey, who also wrote the book for this musical. Fey collaborated with several vets in adapting her movie to the stage, including composer/husband Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), and original director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). 2 pm.
