A film lover’s guide to the best of Almodóvar

After some lengthy troughs and fallows, iconic Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar is enjoying a purple patch with critical acclaim for 2019’s autobiographical Pain & Glory and his new picture Parallel Mothers.

Star Penélope Cruz is tipped to have a good chance of winning the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance as middle-aged mother-to-be Janis Martinez.

But if anyone believes that advancing years (he turned 72 last September) have tamed the provocateur, they should think again, as the film’s theatrical release poster (featuring a lactating nipple) was temporarily censored by Instagram.

Although not many people in the UK actually pay to see his films, it’s probably fair to say that Almodóvar is the best-known Spanish film director alive today; possibly ever.

Only Luis Buñuel (Belle de Jour and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and an acknowledge influence on the director), Carlos Saura (Tango) Alejandro Amenábar (Open Your Eyes) and Bigas Luna (Golden Balls) have anything approaching Almodóvar’s name recognition to non-cineastes.