I don't know how Almodovar makes light work of really dense material - there's always something of the daytime soap opera about his films and Live Flesh is no different (with added sex/nudity). Live Flesh never comes to life though, each of the characters are propelled through a narrative that has no engine or makes any sense to the rational viewer. I'm not a fan of Almodovar, but I've seen quite a few of his films and I will say that he is getting better and better. It was interesting to see Javier Bardem in an early role, look out for his real-life mother in early scenes (Pilar Bardem). Based on a pulpy novel by Ruth Rendell, this is full of murder and intrigue but it hops along at fast pace without delving into the characters at all, leaving it without substance and altogether forgettable and stupid.