‘It is the riskiest film I’ve ever made’: Pedro Almodóvar on being the villain in his own movie
As his new film Bitter Christmas is released, the legendary Spanish director turns his fire on Donald Trump, Will Smith, Netflix – and himself
TL;DR
- Pedro Almodóvar's new film, Bitter Christmas, explores autofiction, featuring a meta-narrative about filmmaking.
- The director is experiencing hearing loss and a recent eye infection.
- Almodóvar criticizes Netflix and the decline of theatrical film releases, advocating for the 'hypnosis of the large screen'.
- He recounts a negative experience serving as president of the Cannes film festival jury, particularly with Will Smith.
- Almodóvar discusses the artist's inherent selfishness and the pain that fuels creativity, viewing his alter ego in the film as a 'villain'.
- He reflects on adapting Alice Munro's stories and the ethical implications of drawing from personal trauma.
- Despite physical ailments, Almodóvar remains passionate about filmmaking and has no intention of retiring, with his first novel set to be published.
- He contrasts his current drive with that of Luis Buñuel at a similar age.