Pedro Almodovar, Spanish film-maker and the genius behind films such as Volver and The Skin I Live In, takes to the air for his new film, the comedy I'm So Excited. The film focuses on the passengers and crew on a flight from Spain to Mexico. Finding out halfway through the flight that there is an engine fault forcing an emergency landing, the plane's trio of highly camp stewards must step up and keep the passengers' minds off the possibility of imminent death. Armed with booze, drugs, and a repertoire Liza herself would be proud of, the stewards do their best to remain professional, whilst trying to deal with problems of their own.
The action (for the majority) takes place solely on the plane and feels very much like a play - a diverse range of characters and a storyline that would have audiences in a theatre rolling in the aisles. Javier Camara steals the show as chief steward Joserra. A penchant for tequila as well as chief pilot Alex, Joserra has his work cut out trying to attend to his own demons whilst trying to keep everyone else calm. Cecilia Roth is also perfect as the ruthless and beautiful Norma, whose made a lifelong career in the sex industry exploiting her famous clientele. It is also nice to see cameos from Antionio Banderas and Penelope Cruz. Frequent collaborators with Almodovar, the pair play a small yet intrinsic part at the beginning of the story.
Yes, the film is hilarious, camp, and absolute filth but Almodovar doesn't give us a one dimensional film. There are also moments of pathos and real drama as we learn a bit about the lives of the passengers on board, all with their own personal demons. Balanced with the hilarity, this helps zip the film along at a fair pace - all towards its conclusion which is done with great subtly and suspense as we, along with those aboard the plane, wonder if they'll touch down safely.
The film has received mixed reviews thus far. I think we all expect Citizen Kane every time we get an Almodovar film - after all the man is a genius. We have to treat this as for what it is though - a light-hearted comedy that sets out to make us laugh - and we do. The film is hilarious, moving and has some genuinely laugh out loud moments. My only gripe was that our trip of stewards didn't give us more cabaret. I tell you, when I go on holiday this year, if the cabin crew don't break into a song and dance routine, I'll be one unhappy chappy!
No comments:
Post a Comment