A rather challenging movie. Almodovar makes no cuts and no restraint during his case and it is quite convincing. I suppose the intervention of Marco could be seen as an attempt to make the film accessible, but it's also what makes it fantastic. The direct story of Benigno could not possibly have the same ambigous exploration of right and wrong, the same emotional, dramatic weight. It's all so sincere and Almodovar's direction is every bit as beautiful and far more subtle than I expected. He gives the story considerable breath and the result is a movie as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally moving and aesthetically pleasing.
The silent film sequence with the vagina was quite disturbing but incredibly effective.