La Concejela Antropófoga

Short film La Concejela Antropófoga by Pedro Almodóvar

First post of the year! It's been a long time since I've written something here, but I definitively didn't give up (yet) of this (post?) modern habit, I mean blogging. During the last months I've been working hard, among troubles, delays and (of course) some joy but my mind was somehow aways turned to the subject of what I'm going to write on my blog next. Finally I find some little time and the right inspiration to sit down and share some worthy deluxe garbage with my three readers. But in this case the topic hasn't nothing to do with "garbage". I'm going to talk about a little treasure I've just found today (thanks to João Carvalho, one of my most almodovarians friends in all senses). During a phone call between us I've described my currently state of mind like a laberinto de pasiones (labiryth of passions) in allusion to Pedro Almodóvar's second lenght film. And of course it turned into a very nice conversation about the Spaniard director and his marvelous filmography. Then João told me about a short film produced by El Deseo (Almodóvar's film company) and we exchange some nice Youtube links. I've sent him one of my favorites Laberinto de Pasiones scenes and I was absolutely sure that nothing could overcome the acid humor of those old and anthological scenes back in the 80's (during that great times of the Movida Madrileña). But then I was wrong. When I've checked "La Concejela Antropófoga" (The Cannibalistic Councilwoman) I had to agree with João that our favorite director had overcome even himself. First of all "La Concejela Antropófoga" was made just after Almodóvar finished the last shootings of his forthcoming film Los Abrazos Rotos starred by Penélope Cruz. He had the insight to write a monologue for great spanish actress Carmen Machi who just had a small role in "Abrazos". In the last shooting night Almodóvar took advantage of the set and crew from "Abrazos" to film a short film starred by Carmen Machi (as the same character in " Los Abrazos Rotos") in a totally other history . Genius! Then "La Concejela Antropófoga" was born as a little whim of one of the greatest filmmakers of all times, who signed that little masterpiece with the pseudonym of Mateo Blanco (one of the male characters of "Los Abrazos Rotos"). And as I said before the short is a monologue of a councilor of a right party from Madrid who conducts for a friend (who sleeps almost all the time in her colorful kitchen) a passionate defense of sexual "promiscuity", while eats pudding and smells cocaine. Hilarious! Acid , provocative and perverted humor just like Almodóvar's very beginning. It brings us back to the great times of Pepe, Luci, Bom y Otras Chicas del Montón, Laberinto de Pasiones, ¿ Que He Hecho Yo para Merecer Eso? and Entre Tinieblas. Pure ecstasy for the fans of the old and good Patty Diphusa. After all Carmen Machi deserves a lenght film just made for her.

And here an interview with Pedro Almodóvar for Canal + where he talks about "La Concejela Antropófoga".

GRACE is 60!

Ok, I am a bit late, I guess about one week or so. Btw Grace Jones turned 60 last week. So what? Just need to look to the picture above. She (still) is the owner of one of the most exceptionals and spectaculars bodies that the humanity ever had the chance to see. ALSO she is one of the most influential artists of our era. WHY? That woman was a TOP MODEL in the most truth sense of what this word can mean. She made it in the seventies and at that time she also recorded some VERY NICE disco albums of all times.

For example:

PORTFOLIO (1977), MUSE (1978) and FAME (1979).Three must have albums of any disco fan and music lovers. My fave are: "That's the the trouble", "La Vie en Rose" and "I need a man" (from "Portfolio"). Three disco classics with that Saulsoul Orchestra sound-alike (not even sure if they ever produced some of her tunes) and of course the cover of Édith Piaf's anthem, which became in Jone's contralto voice a definitive masterpiece.



PORTFOLIO's front cover



PORTFOLIO's back cover


She ALSO was Andy Wahrol's muse and in the eighties together with french husband Jean Paul Goude, who was ONLY one of the most creatives graphic designers, illustrators, photographers and advertising film directors at that time. Together they worked in Grace's several new wave phase videos like the classic of the classics SLAVE TO THE RHYTHM. This is one of the most intriguings and amazing videos EVER made and also a masterpiece of Pop Art. I remember vaguely of some images when it came out in 1984 and I was pretty impressed and somehow scared by everything I've seem. Well I took a look at it again nowadays and I just could be sorrow for myself for not have had the chance to appreciate it at the right time and at the right age when it has appeared. But btw it is still a timeless blast from any other dimension but not from this planet. Take a look at and make your own conclusions:



And what about this A-M-A-Z-I-N-G Citröen ad (parts of this were included on "Slave to the rythm's" video) with an outrageous Grace also made by Goude:



I could write millions lines here about Grace Jones work as fashion icon, performer, actress, model, singer, muse, unique personality and so on. A bit underrated, I think she represents everything any Madonna, Gisele Bündchen or Beyoncé wished to be when they grow up.

Happy B-day!