Almodóvar's Law of Desire: Messy, Melodramatic, and STILL Compelling

Okay, so I finally watched Law of Desire and...whew. I get why people are so obsessed with Almodóvar. This movie is WILD. The plot is insane, right? Pablo, the director, is dealing with this toxic ex, Juan, while trying to get his new film off the ground with his trans sister, Tina. And then Antonio pops in, completely unhinged, and things just go bonkers. It's a lot to take in, and honestly, the pacing felt a little all over the place at times. Like, we jump from intense drama to almost campy comedy in a heartbeat. Not sure if that's a bug or feature, lol. But even with the chaotic energy, I was hooked. Carmen Maura as Tina is absolutely phenomenal. She's magnetic, bringing so much vulnerability and strength to the role. And the scene where she confronts her father at the train station? Gut-wrenching. I think what really grabbed me was the raw emotion. Everyone is so extra, so desperate for love and connection. And the visuals! Almodóvar's use of color is just stunning. That red dress Tina wears? Iconic. Seriously, it just pops off the screen in a way that amplifies her character and the scene itself. I have some issues with the handling of certain plot points (can't say without spoilers!), and the ending felt a little rushed, like they had to wrap things up quickly. But overall, Law of Desire left a mark. It's not a perfect film, and it certainly doesn't shy away from being uncomfortable. It is full of raw desire. But it's bold, it's beautiful, and it's definitely thought-provoking. I think the editing could have been a bit tighter, maybe shaved 10-15 mins, but it wasn't something that ruined the experience. So, yeah, I'm officially on the Almodóvar train. What other films of his should I check out next? Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is high on my list, but I'm open to suggestions!