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Volver (2006)
Connection between Title and Film
Most students know that one of the hardest things about composing a paper or creating any piece of art can be giving it a title. A title can be seen just as important as the actual comment, because often times a title can be the deciding factor in whether or not one is going to take the time and watch the film. In Almodovar's, Volver, he has managed to capture many different elements and aspects of the film in the title.
The word Volver is Spanish for to return or to come back. The first and most obvious connection between the title and the content of the film is included in the plot. Irene, played by Carmen Maura, is the mother of two girls in the film, Raimunda and Sole. In the films, Irene is thought to be dead by the community. However, about halfway through the film Irene surprises her daughters with her return to their pueblo, they are finally reunited. Another connection between the title and the film is the relationship between actor and director. Carmen Maura, the actress who plays Irene, was once known as one of "Almodovar's Girls". However after a falling out, there was a long gap when Maura was no longer being seen in his films. Some critics speculate that the title also draws a connection between Maura making her return with Almodovar to create films. The third connection is that Almodovar includes the song Volver, lip synced by actress Penelope Cruz and sang by Estrella Morente. All of these elements in the film work together in supporting the title Volver as a very fitting and appropriate one.
Cilantro y perejil (1996)
Quirky, fresh twist on an unconventional romance film
The film Cilantro y Perejil is a good example of a film that has more to it than meets the eye. Although the film is full of clichés that could possibly happen throughout many people's lives, the way in which the film is presented has a funny twist to it that sets it apart from most of films about marriage and monogamy. In Cilantro y Perejil the main character's sister, Nora, is constantly interviewing people for a project, therefore making it a film within a film. She catches many moments that would not usually be in a typical romantic comedy that adds a very different element to the film.
Also, there is a psychiatrist in the film that throughout the scenes gives his commentary and professional advice about love, marriage and monogamy. His wording and personality add as a comic relief to the film and keep things interesting for the viewer. The director does a great job of making the viewer experience the same emotions as the characters through all of the down to earth and awkward situations that happen in day to day life.
The film is worth seeing for anyone who has a sense of humor and an interest in seeing the dynamics of a less than perfect marriage, and all that goes along with it.