pepi,luci,pom

First of all I would like to state that this has definetly been one of the most thought provoking films I have ever seen (and judging from the expressions of a few othes for them as well).

I believe that the film is an expression of changing times in particular Spain’s freedom from dictatorship. The film gives more than one metaphor to suggest this. For example Luci’s relationship with her abusive husband. Her husband the police officer can be seen as the oppressive authoritative dictator, always forcing his wife to do his will. Luci’s character is a reflection of the people who have just been given their freedom. Pepi’s character is really the idea of freedom her free spirited life style and ideal are what allow Luci to finally free herself from her husband’s ill will. Her rape by the police officer is similar to the single event that finally sets and convinces the people to revolt against their oppressor.

From the moment Luci discovers what it is to be free there is no stopping her(not even her husband calling the authorities to ask for assistance can stop her). Luci’s transition into freedom is reminiscing of a revolution, “drastic” and “all of a sudden” often never really expected. Her new lifestyle is a complete 360 of her original conservative lifestyle. She went from spending her entire life in her household following her husband’s will to taking part in gathers where everything they did is an expression of freewill. The only exception to this is her new relationship with Pom. Pom just as her husband the police officer is also an abusive partner. This is perhaps the idea that often times one dictator will be replaced by another which has often times happened in our society sort of like Cuba.

Overall I enjoyed how the film is able to explore so many different topics so directly. I also enjoyed how Pedro Almodovar uses several different techniques to keep the audience always thinking as well as keep the film balanced. His use of shock and awe to keep the audience focused as well as his use of comic relief(Pom’s fart song, husband calling the police to stop his wife ) to balance the tense moments.

-Jorge Aguayo