The men in Los Abrazos rotos (Broken Embraces)

When was the last time Almodóvar directed a male-centric film? Well, actually it's not that long (this one back in 2004). But when was the last time he directed a successfully male-centric film?. Now you see my point.

Forget Penélope. Oh, she's great, but she's not the lead. Sorry, she's not. Nope. This time leading duties fall on Lluís Homar, an Almodóvar vet who played Manuel Berenguer (the real-life, secular version of Father Manolo) in La mala educación. He got greatish reviews for that one, but his performance there gets nowhere near the greatness of his creation this time. I won't spoil you, don't worry. But I'll tell you he's the best leading man in any Almodóvar film. And that includes him and him. He's that good.

In descending level of greatness, next in line is José Luis Gómez, a beloved character actor (and Cannes winner) who holds himself nicely against Penélope and Homar. This is Gómez's first time with Almodóvar, which isn't surprising because he doesn't work that much after all. Well, he works, but not so much in the big or small screens. Anyway, be ready to beware, despise, hate and pity him. A worthy supporting turn, no doubt, and the kind that could attract awards attention with the right publicity.

What to say about the other two male actors with significant roles? Tamar Novas (on the right in a weird striped suit) and Rubén Ochandiano (left) have been in the wait for a breaktrough such as this for quite a time. You might remember Tamar Novas from Oscar-winning Mar adentro (The Sea Inside), and I don't think you've seen Ochandiano anyhwhere unless you are a Spanish cinema aficionado or you've seen Soderbergh's second part of Che. These two young actors are given pivotal roles in Los abrazos rotos, but neither fulfilled my expectations. They've been better elsewhere.