Why a mistranslated title turned Pedro Almodóvar’s melodrama into a misunderstood comedy
In short: Pedro Almodóvar’s 1991 film High Heels was a massive commercial success in Spain, yet its international reception suffered due to a misleading English title. While the original Spanish, Tacones lejanos, evokes the melancholic sound of a mother’s distant footsteps, the English translation suggested a lighthearted comedy, confusing audiences and critics alike.
High Heels is a complex melodrama that explores the fractured, competitive relationship between Becky del Páramo, a famous torch singer, and her daughter, Rebeca, a television newscaster. The plot, which Almodóvar developed around the central idea of a live television confession, follows their reunion after a fifteen-year separation. Their bond is strained by mutual resentment, shared romantic interests, and a murder mystery that serves as a backdrop to their emotional struggle. The film draws heavily on the American 'woman's picture' tradition, with direct references to classics like Stella Dallas, Mildred Pierce, and Douglas Sirk’s Imitation of Life.
The film’s production was marked by distinct creative choices, particularly in its musical score and casting. Almodóvar sought a specific sound for Becky, eventually choosing songs like 'Piensa en Mí' and 'Un año de amor', performed by rock singer Luz Casal. The male lead, a judge who moonlights as a female impersonator, was played by Miguel Bosé, a casting choice that became a significant publicity point. The narrative itself blends genres, combining the emotional intensity of melodrama with the suspense of a crime thriller, though the investigation is secondary to the psychological conflict between mother and daughter.
Despite its commercial triumph in Spain, where it attracted over 1.5 million viewers in 1991, the film faced a polarized critical reception. Spanish critics were largely hostile, often comparing it unfavorably to the films it paid homage to, while international reactions varied wildly. In Germany, Almodóvar noted that his work was frequently misunderstood, and in the United States, the film faced moral criticism from certain groups. Ultimately, the film stands as a testament to Almodóvar’s unique style, even if its reception was complicated by the cultural gap between his intended emotional tone and the expectations set by its English title.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: High Heels (1991 film)
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