Live Flesh

The courses of five lives in Madrid are forever altered when naive, young Victor (Rabal) accidentally shoots cop David (Bardem) and is sent to prison after an argument with Elena (Neri), a one-night stand he falls for. When he gets out he discovers Elena has transformed from junkie to model wife who runs a home for children and has married David, now a paraplegic. Still, Victor both wants and resents Elena, who he blames for the accident. While apparently stalking Elena, Victor enters into a relationship with Clara, the wife of David's former partner, Sancho (Sancho) which dramatically draws all five back together. Complex, noirish drama shows a new, more serious side for director Almadovar, who still manages some of his patented brand of humor. Highly original plot and unexpected twists delivered by a talented and attractive cast. Adapted from a British novel by Ruth Rendell.