Pedro Almodóvar Speaks on His New Film ‘The Room Next Door’ Being in ‘Favor of Euthanasia’: ‘There Should Be the Possibility’ to Do It ‘All Over the World’

As a movie critic who has witnessed the evolution of cinema over several decades, I must say that Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door” is a poignant and thought-provoking masterpiece. The film tackles a sensitive topic with maturity and grace, making it an essential addition to Almodóvar’s impressive body of work.

In “The Room Next Door,” directed by Pedro Almodóvar, the main focus is on the thought-provoking subject of euthanasia. Starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton in key roles.

In a departure from his Spanish-language films, Almodóvar directs “The Room Next Door,” a movie where Oscar winners Moore as Ingrid and Swinton as Martha appear. These two had been friends in their younger days, working together at the same magazine. After spending many years apart, they reconnect when Martha learns she has a terminal illness and decides to take control of her own destiny.

At a press conference for the movie during the Venice Film Festival on Monday, the Spanish filmmaker expressed deeply felt opinions about the topic portrayed in the film and why he believes it could offer a viable solution for individuals who find themselves in similar circumstances.

“He stated that the film advocates for euthanasia in Spanish. The character Tilda, whom they greatly respect, chooses to terminate her cancer battle by taking the action she does. ‘Cancer will not triumph over me if I act swiftly,’ she says. With the assistance of a friend, she devises a plan to achieve her goal, though they must conceal their actions as if they were engaging in illegal activities.”

In 2021, Almodóvar’s native land, Spain, made euthanasia legal. He advocates for other parts of the world to do the same.

“He proposed that euthanasia be made available globally, receiving cheers from journalists,” he stated. “I suggest it be controlled and a physician should be permitted to aid their patient in this matter.”

Swinton stated that she “couldn’t imagine doing anything differently” if she were in her character’s position.

“She stated that death doesn’t scare her, as she’s never been afraid of it. From early on in her life, she became conscious of the inevitability of death due to certain experiences. She senses, feels, and even sees it approaching. This film, she explained, showcases self-determination – a person who firmly chooses to control their own life, living, and dying.”

Despite the film’s central theme being death, both Moore and Swinton managed to showcase how it simultaneously embraces life.

Moore remarked, “Pedro’s films are brimming with an immense vitality that captivates us all. It seems as though you can almost listen to everyone’s heartbeats while watching them.”

She discussed the profound philosophical aspects of the film, musing on queries such as “What is the essence of life? What defines humanity? What constitutes having a physical presence? What signifies having a companion? What symbolizes having a spectator?”

Swinton described the movie as a “love story” between her character and Moore’s.

“Ingrid and Martha’s relationship is, at its core, a beautiful tale of love – a profound friendship that serves as the foundation for all love stories we hope to see.”

“Following the success of ‘Parallel Mothers’ at Venice Film Festival in 2021, where Penelope Cruz won the Best Actress Volpi Cup, Almodóvar’s new film, titled ‘The Room Next Door’, is set to premiere. Previously, Almodóvar has premiered several projects at Venice, such as ‘Dark Habits’ in 1983, which won the best screenplay award with ‘Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown’ in 1988. Recently, he also directed a short film called ‘The Human Voice’ starring Swinton in 2020. Almodóvar was honored with Venice Film Festival’s lifetime achievement award in 2019.”

Following its debut at Venice, “The Room Next Door” is set to hit cinemas on December 20, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.

2024-09-02 16:17

Pedro Almodóvar Speaks on His New Film ‘The Room Next Door’ Being in ‘Favor of Euthanasia’: ‘There Should Be the Possibility’ to Do It ‘All Over the World’

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