When Did Almodovar Move to Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

The Early Years

Pedro Almodovar is one of the most celebrated Spanish filmmakers of all time. Born in Calzada de Calatrava, a small town in La Mancha, Spain on September 25, 1949, Almodovar grew up in poverty. He moved to Madrid in the early 1970s and it was here that he began his career as a filmmaker.

His Move to Madrid

Almodovar moved to Madrid at the age of 22, after dropping out of a religious school where he had been studying for the priesthood. He arrived in Madrid with nothing but his dreams and ambitions to become a writer. During this time, he worked several odd jobs such as an administrative assistant and an usher at a cinema while he wrote stories and screenplays.

His First Film: Pepi, Luci, Bom

In the late 1970s, Almodovar founded his own production company called El Deseo S.A. and began making short films. In 1980, he made his first feature film called “Pepi, Luci, Bom y otras chicas del montón” (Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls Like Mom). This film was seen as a groundbreaking achievement in Spanish cinema due to its frank depictions of sex and drugs.

The Success Years

Almodovar’s success continued throughout the 1980s with films like “Entre Tinieblas” (Dark Habits), “¿Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto” (What Have I Done to Deserve This), and “Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios” (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown).

International Recognition

In the 1990s, Almodovar gained international recognition with films like “Tacones Lejanos” (High Heels), “Todo sobre mi madre” (All About My Mother), and “Hable con ella” (Talk to Her). These films won numerous awards at film festivals around the world, including multiple Academy Awards.

The Later Years

In recent years, Almodovar has continued to make critically acclaimed films such as “Volver”, “Los Abrazos Rotos” (Broken Embraces), and “La piel que habito” (The Skin I Live In).

His Impact on Cinema

Almodovar’s influence can be seen across modern cinema, with directors like Guillermo del Toro citing him as a major influence. His films have been praised for their unique blend of humor, drama, and sexuality, as well as their exploration of queer themes and female empowerment.

  • Conclusion:
  • Pedro Almodovar moved to Madrid in the early 1970s after dropping out of a religious school where he was studying for the priesthood. He began his career as a filmmaker in Madrid and went on to become one of Spain’s most celebrated filmmakers. His work has had a major impact on modern cinema and he continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers today.