Madrid – As Shown Through The Films of Pedro Almodovar

Plaza Mayor
Almodovar’s Madrid is not crowded with hordes of tourists. He highlights unfamiliar neighborhoods, secluded street, hidden bars and almost deserted squares. However, there is an exception – Plaza Mayor. The square was used as decor for the most touchable scene in the film Flower of my Secret (La Flor de mi secreto, 1995).

After a flamenco performance, a journalist Angel plays in the rhythm of flamenco for writer Leo, on a completely deserted square in the middle of the night. However, this scene is far from realistic, since Madrid, and especially this square is fully alive all night. Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s central square. It occupies an area of 129m x 94m. In addition it is the most popular tourist attraction.

Viaduct de Bailén
Would you like to see my death? Yes. I would love that you saw mine. Matador from 1986, is the darkest Almodovar’s film.  Almodovar introduced the bridge Viaduct de Bailén with its height of 23 m as a metaphor for death and destruction.

This is the place from which suicide jump into the safe embrace of death. Today, this concrete bridge is protected by a thick armored glass. Jumping from the bridge is no longer possible. All you can do is to enjoy in the view of the cathedral, the palace and Madrid.

Cine Doré
Amante menguante is the name of the film in the film Talk to her. Benigno is sitting in the the oldest and most charming cinema Cine Doré and with the cheapest cinema tickets in Madrid. It is Located in the district Lavapies,. It is in the street Calle Santa Isabel III. Above all it is built in 1923. In the cinema complex you can find book stores and coffeeshops. During the summers, the hall 3 is opened. It is interesting that there is no roof.

Puerta de Alcalá
In 1970, in Spain, it was declared a state of emergency, and at the same time a young prostitute Penelope Cruz gave birth to her son Victor. After the birth she brought him up and there was highlighted Puerta de Alcala.

This is perhaps one of the most beautiful opening scenes of all Almodovar’s works. On this same square is the most beautiful Madrid’s park, El Retiro.  Puerta de Alcalá is a neoclassical building on the Independence Square Plaza de la Independencia. More over it is located in the center of the city.

Museo Chicot
Museo Chicot is a cocktail bar from 1931. It hosted many celbreties such as Ava Gardner, Salvador Dali, Ernest Hemingway and much more.
The interior has not changed at all, the only novelty is a DJ in the night hours. Pedro Almodovar is a regular guest here, and here he put his key scene in his latest film Breaking hugs.