Pedro Almodovar Biography

This brief Pedro Almodovar biography will help you understand the background behind Spain's most influential filmmaker. Pedro Almodovar is a man who rose from humble origins to a powerful position through the international success of his compelling films. If you watch any Pedro Almodovar movie, you'll immediately recognize Almodovar's complex relationship with his country of origin, and realize why this filmmaker is both revered and despised by Spaniards. Almodovar's films are not just entertainment; they provoke emotion and discussion, usually about the condition of Spain and its people.

Early Life
Almodovar was born in the La Mancha region of Spain, made famous by Cervantes' Don Quixote: The Man of La Mancha. Almodovar's father transported kegs of wine for much of his life. His mother made sure Almodovar got an education, then parlayed his coveted literacy into an early profession; as a young boy, Almodovar was transcribing letters for neighbors and teaching people how to read and write. He attended a religious boarding school because his parents believed he had the potential to become a priest, but Almodovar was not interested in pursuing a life in the ministry. Instead, the cinema near his boarding school captivated his interest.

Chasing a Dream
Almodovar did not have the financial backing nor the education to become a filmmaker. He worked odd jobs, eventually settling in for 12 years as an administrative assistant for the national phone company of Spain. Whenever he was not working, Almodovar was writing or practicing filmmaking. He published articles in a variety of counterculture magazines, wrote comic strips, participated in the cultural revolution referred to as the Madrilliene Movement, sang in a band and published a novella.

Making Movies
Almodovar joined a community theatre group and began making his own films in the early 1970s.  Until the 1980s, all of Almodovar's films were underground films, cheaply produced and shown by Almodovar himself, who would use a cassette tape for music and perform all the voices. He did not have the money or proper equipment for a soundtrack, but his audiences loved his personal involvement. Almodovar, who is openly gay, used overtly sexual and homosexual themes in his movies. The counter-culture crowd of Spain loved him; mainstream audiences remained relatively unaware of his films.

In 1980, Almodovar broke into mainstream cinema with his first feature length film, Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls on the Heap. This explicitly sexual, bold film showcased female friendships and the courage of those living alternative lifestyles. The film is of poor quality and has many technical flaws, but the impact of the vignettes cannot be underestimated. This first feature film made a splash in Spain and brought attention to Almodovar as a filmmaker.

Finding Success
Almodovar has grown in following and influence through the years. Building upon each previous film, Almodovar's budget, reputation and success have steadily increased. After five films known mostly in European Independent circles, Almodovar had an international breakthrough with Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown in 1988. He has won awards and recognition for several films since then, and is still producing noteworthy movies today.