All About Almodóvar

Critics Inkoo Kang and Daniel Schroeder are joined again by Slate's June Thomas to discuss 2021's Parallel Mothers. We talk about Penélope's stunning performance, how disconnected the two halves of the film seem, and jackets.

You can reach us at [email protected]

Hello, listeners. We are starting a new season focused on a new director, specifically New Zealand filmmaker Jane Campion. You can find the link to our new feed here!

Inkoo Kang and Daniel Schroeder discuss two of Almodóvar's most controversial films. First we talk about 1993's Kika, its uncontrollable plot, and how oddly the only scene that seems to work is the one where Almodóvar attempts to make rape funny. Then we get into 2011's The Skin I Live In, the film that divided us the most. We go through the chilly horror of it all, the movie's approach to the physical body, and why it made the skin Daniel lives in crawl.

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder.

Inkoo Kang and Daniel Schroeder discuss Almodóvar's latest work, the short film The Human Voice. We talk about all the references he makes to his past films, how he's been obsessed with the subject matter his whole career, and the Tilda Swinton of it all.

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder.

Inkoo Kang and Daniel Schroeder are joined by critic Alonso Duralde to discuss 2019's Pain and Glory, Almodóvar's most autobiographical work. We talk about the beauty of the cave homes in rural Spain, how Franco kept the country in the past during much of the 20th century, and the pain and loss that draw us back to youthful inspiration. 

Thank you so much for listening to this series. If you would like to reach us, email us at [email protected].

Film critic David Rooney joins Inkoo Kang and Daniel Schroeder to discuss 2006's Volver. We talk about the brilliance of the female ensemble, Penélope Cruz's Mediterranean voluptuousness, and the healing power of truth and farts.

Film critic Justin Chang joins Inkoo Kang and Daniel Schroeder to talk about 2004's Bad Education. We discuss Almodóvar's take on chilly noir, the dizzying plots within plots, and Gael García Bernal's many faces. Oh, and we throw in a few puns. 

Email us at [email protected]

Inkoo Kang and Daniel Schroeder discuss a true masterpiece, 2002's Talk to Her. We talk about male tenderness, villainous innocence, and Almodóvar’s continued explorations of obsession and miscommunication. Oh, and giant fake vagina.

Slate's June Thomas joins Inkoo Kang and Daniel Schroeder to talk 1990's Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! We discuss this terrifying mixture of horror and romance, provocation and passion, and ask if it's really a tale as old as time.

June is the host of Slate's Working.

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder.

Inkoo Kang and Daniel Schroeder discuss Pedro Almodóvar's 1987 film Law of Desire. Faced with an overstuffed melodrama containing more plot than any one film can handle, they talk about this wonderful mess of a work, and the confusing ways we all feel desire. And Daniel reveals just a bit too much about himself.