Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!
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Movie Reviews of Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!
Movie Review: The Wild & Erotic World of Almodovar
Summary: 5 Stars
Pedro Almodovar followed up the success of his international hit, "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," with this wild, erotic comic fantasy starring his long-time leading man and soon-to-be Hollywood star, Antonio Banderas. Fresh from his incarceration from an asylum in Madrid, Banderas plays a ex-lunatic who leaves in search of the object of his affection, a popular Spanish porn star (played by Victoria Abril).
After meeting, then kidnapping her, Banderas' character is more determined to make her fall in love with him, and does whatever he needs to do in order to win her love. However, Abril, refuses to love a man who has made her a prisoner of her own home. The title, which is a translation of its' original Spanish title, "Atame!," reflects the method Banderas uses to coax and subdue Abril's character in falling in love with him (he ties her up in her bedroom).
While the story seems far-fetched at times, the chemistry that Banderas and Abril emit makes the film work. Supporting actresses Maria Barranco and Rosie de Palma lend their unique comic talents in helping the director weave a tale of love and desire that only Almodovar can tell.
Upon release in the United States, this film was slapped with the newly created and feared NC-17 rating due to his sexual themes and minor violence. Compared to R rated films of the present such as "Basic Instinct" and "The Matrix," this film is tame. Refusing to edit his work, Almodovar criticized the MPAA for its' decision to market the film with an NC-17 rating. Due to this rating, the film did not do too well at the box office as expected.
This film marks Banderas' final film in Spain, before departing to the United States to start his successful career in Hollywood. The film contains glimpses of Banderas' backside, as well as a whole lot of Abril's figure, and the sexual scenes are soft-core porn quality. If you are offended by glimpses of the naked body or sexual themes, then skip this film.
"Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!" is one of Almodovar's rare gems. As a true master of the Spanish cinema, his work truly reflects his gifted talent. A great film with a comic ending!
Movie Review: Antonio Banderas Was Better When Euro Film Star
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched Banderas in his European movies before he became an American movie star. I really liked all of his work then whereas now his work is very uneven in quality. "Evita" is the only work of his I've admired since his "conversion." This film was his very best prior to his coming to America. I'll confess that director Pedro Aldomovar's 2 most commerical films, of which this is one, appeal to me more than his other films. The other is "Woman On The Verge of A Nervous Breakdown." Perhaps this is because these two works involve heterosexual love affairs and are also comedic and satiric. They're broadly played but enjoyable for a bigger audience than Aldomovar's work normally gets. Banderas is incredibly sexy in this film as the patient fresh from a mental hospital who wants a regular married life and seeks to find it with a porno star woman. Bringing these two together for a black comedy was a stroke of genius. The Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down in the title refers to the woman's liking kinky stuff and Banderas's literally tying her up and down to the bed. This is a very sexy, romantic even, film and for those who feel Aldomovar's films typically are aimed to please only gays and not straights, this film should convert them to becoming fans of his considerable talent. It will also make them sad that Banderas decided to become an American movie star.Movie Review: Love takes many shapes
Summary: 5 Stars
Some might say I've given this movie 5* because I got to see Antonio Banderas in the buff. They'd be wrong. This movie rates 5* because,despite some moments of domestic violence, it's a delightful romp.
Love takes many shapes. Even a young man, recently released from a mental home, can search for a love that is meaningful to him. That the object of his affections is a porn star and junkie does not detract from the intensity of his passion. Determined to make her love him as he loves her, Ricky kidnaps her and we are swept into a world where the laughs are as quick to come as the growing tenderness between the two. This is a quirky romantic comedy which is dark, but not black, and I found myself rooting for love to conquer all. But Marina was an unwilling captive of his passion. When the opportunity for escape came in the form of her delightfully bossy sister, what would she choose? Love or freedom?
English sub-titles were good. Director Pedro Almodovar keeps the pace moving. The chemistry between the very young Banderas (whose star quality is clearly visible despite his youth) and Victoria Abril is excellent, and the secondary characters from the wheel-chair bound director who is obssessed with Marina to the brilliant performance by Loles Leon as Marina's sister Lola,make this great entertainment.
Movie Review: Hilarious and incisive...
Summary: 5 Stars
This is definitely one of Almodovar's best films, it kept me smiling and laughing out loud throughout. In typical Almodavrian fashion, absurdism is used to disguise some fairly audacious statements:
1. Love = bondage, both men and women need to feel that they "have no choice" in being with and loving the other person.
2. Love = addiction/drug, if you don't have one you will inevitably substitute the other for it.
3. Love = inescapably absurd, and absurdly inescapable.
This could've easily turned into an over-the-top or overly bitter and cynical farce. Instead, in keeping with Almodovar's unique genius, he chooses an ending that is both hilariously absurd and irresistibly light and heartwarming at the same time. A sort of *romantic* black humor, if you will.
Victoria Abril and Antonio Banderas both put in world-class performances, backed by a strong cast peppered with some longtime Almodovar reliables. Too bad Banderas has sold his soul to Hollywood in the last few years, he did his best work in small European films like this.
Like all truly good films, this one only gets better with repeated viewings.
Movie Review: A fun dark comedy
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are easily turned off my dark humor, this movie is not for you. This movie can evoke strong feelings, so either you will love it or hate it. I am one on the I loved it side. This movie is by Aldomovar, a director that often pushes the normal limits of society. Where else can a drug addicted movie star, become kidnapped and fall in love with her captor (played by Antonio Bandaras). A very enjoyable movie for the right person.