The most anticipated were missing, but "Broken Embraces" has finally arrived in Lanzarote. Without the presence of Pedro Almodóvar or the Oscar-winning Penélope Cruz, who did not attend the screening of the film in the auditorium of Los Jameos del Agua, the film has provoked very different opinions among the spectators. The change of genre that Almodóvar has experienced in his latest film has not left anyone indifferent, but neither has it garnered great criticism. "He doesn't want to repeat himself, he seeks creativity in each work and, therefore, he is an artist," defended his brother Agustín, who insisted that the director "risks it all in each film and is not affected by fashion or any type of pressure."
Los Jameos del Agua has become the ideal setting to present the film in Lanzarote, an island that served as a backdrop in May 2008 to create this creation. "It would not be strange if Lanzarote were once again the setting for a future Almodóvar film," his brother predicted, who pointed out that the island is, for Pedro, "a source of inspiration." "The producers in the US of the film, as soon as they saw it, asked us where those incredible places were," related Agustín, who hopes to help with this film so that Lanzarote becomes known in the rest of the world.
The presentation of "Broken Embraces" in Los Jameos del Agua was attended by one of the main actors, Lluis Homar, as well as Carmen Machi, Kira Miró, Tomar Novas, Lola Dueñas, Mariola Fuentes and, representing the Cabildo, the Councilor of the Tourism Board, María José Docal. The cast of actors did not want to miss this opportunity to praise the work of the Spanish director, of whom Homar, in particular, has stated that he always shows in each film "his courage, his desire to renew himself despite having to take new risks."
In addition to praising the filmmaker, the compliments were also taken by part of the setting of his film, that is, Lanzarote. Famara and the roundabout of the Foundation serve Almodóvar to build a dramatic story full of fatality. The island, to which the protagonists, Lena and Mateo, played by Penélope Cruz and Lluís Homar, flee, becomes a key point in their destiny, in the life of the couple.
Here they experience the most romantic moments, but also the most dramatic. "It's a key point in the story," Agustín pointed out. Lanzarote has also hooked the artists of "Broken Embraces", some of whom are considering their professional retirement on the island, except for Lola Dueñas, who already has a house in Fuerteventura. "It is a magical island, a unique place, where you have the feeling that there is no other place in the world. It is the only place where, despite the nerves of filming, I was able to fall asleep five minutes after getting into bed. It transmits a lot of serenity and tranquility to me," Homar indicated.
The Canary Islander Kira Miró, who spends her summers in Lanzarote, has assured that she is passionate about the island, that whenever she can she travels to this place to enjoy "some wrinkled potatoes". "I was craving to eat some!" the actress commented.
Both Miró, as well as Machi, Fuentes or Dueñas, all of them secondary actresses in the film, have been happy to have "a space" in this film. "I have a blast filming with Pedro, in his comedy he reduces you to the minimum, to the essence, to the economy. Everything he says is powerful, he is a great teacher and a pleasure to work with him," added Machi.
María José Docal has thanked the entire team and the production company El Deseo for their decision to film in Lanzarote and now hopes that viewers will become curious when they see the film and decide to travel to the island to see "its wonderful landscapes." Likewise, Docal intends that Lanzarote becomes part of "the Almodóvar route", which consists of taking a tour of all the places where the director has filmed.
Tonight, the red carpet will cover the surroundings of the Los Jameos del Agua pool to host, once again, the screening of "Broken Embraces", on this occasion, for the lucky ones who have an invitation.
