Talk to Her and Auteur Theory: The Value of a Critical Approach Anonymous 12th Grade

Sometimes the application of a critical response can limit rather than expand our understanding and appreciation of a film.

‘Talk to Her’ is a 2002 Spanish film that is written and directed by Pedro Almodovar. When studying Almodovar, I frequently came across recurring traits that are evident, not only in ‘Talk To Her’, but in the majority of his filmic catalogue. Hence, using the auteur theory to understand ‘Talk to Her’ and Almodovar is helped my understanding of the director and the film. The directors of the French New Wave movement - particularly François Truffaut - created the auteur theory in the 1950s. It focuses on the role of the director in creating new visions and redefining cinema. This theory pointed out many stylistic or narrative traits that are synonymous with a certain director’s film. In the case of Almodovar, he is known for his intertextual references, his love of melodrama, the controversy explored in his films, and the role of strong women.

Pedro Almodóvar’s early life was in rural ‘La Macha’ which he described as being rife with oppression and personal abuse. He moved to Madrid when he was eighteen in 1970 ‘to experience independence in the new consumer society’, alongside exploring filmmaking. He...