INFO Directed by Pedro Almodovar Written by Pedro Almodovar Produced by Agustin Almodovar Starring Victoria Abril, Antonio Banderas, Loles Leon, Francisco Rabal, Rossy De Palma. Distributed by El Deseo S.A. and Miramax Films. Released on January 22 1990.

SUMMARY Ricky, a psychiatric patient, has been deemed cured (of something) and is released from a mental institution. Until then he has been the lover of the woman director of the hospital. His goal is to have a normal life with Marina Ozores, an actress, former porn star, whom he once slept with during an escape from the asylum. When Ricky comes to the set, he steals a few necessary items including the keys to Marina’s apartment. Ricky, with a long-haired wig, does a handstand to try to capture her attention. Marina does not remember him and quickly dismisses him. Marina goes home, Ricky follows her to her apartment. When she answers the door, Ricky forces his way in. He grabs her and head-butts her to silence her screams. Marina wakes in pain, which normal painkillers do not relieve as she is addicted to stronger drugs. Ricky explains that he has captured her so that when she gets to know him better she will fall in love and they will get married and have children. Marina eventually persuades Ricky to take her to a doctor who can give her the necessary painkillers. Ricky barely leaves her alone with the doctor, and she is unable to communicate the danger she is in. They cannot get the drugs in the pharmacy so Ricky goes off to get them on the black market. However, rather than paying the street price, he attacks the dealer to get the tablets. Ricky is spotted by the dealer who he had attacked, and is seriously beaten and left unconscious. During his absence Marina makes a half-hearted attempt to escape from her captivity. However when he returns covered with bruises and cuts, she sees his vulnerability and devotion to her. She cares for him, and is suddenly struck by the realization that she has fallen in love with her captor. They make love. They decide to take a trip together to his native village. When he is about to leave to steal a car for the trip, Marina, who still considers herself his prisoner, tells him to keep her tied up so that she won't try to escape. However, in Ricky’s absence, Lola enters the apartment and discovers Marina tied up. Marina informs her sister that she is in love with her captor. Lola is astonished but once convinced, she agrees to drive Marina to Ricky's birthplace. They find him there in the ruins of his family house in a deserted village, then the three climb into Lola's car to return to the city. Lola promises Ricky she will find him a job and they drive off together.

SIMILARITIES TO ‘TALK TO HER’ Themes and issues Obsessive/damaged male protagonists Obsession with the body Identity crisis Existentialism Transgressing stereotypes Media in media Hospitals/mental illness.