This article focuses on the Romeo and Juliet theme that underlines the filmic narrative of Almodóvar´s Talk to Her. We analyze the modern reconstruction that Almodóvar brings to the XXI century of an old topic, the one of love and tragic fate. Throughout the works of Pedro Almodóvar, characters are the foundation of the films. By allowing the viewer access to the most intimate aspects of their lives, the characters are a vehicle for theme and symbolism. Almodóvar's technique is not a new method. It can be traced back to one of the most renowned writers of all time—William Shakespeare. In Romeo and Juliet, the viewer is thrust into the emotionally charged lives of the teenaged protagonists, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. A relationship between the two is inconceivable, as the Montague and Capulet families have been at odds for generations. Although their parents and peers are left in the dark, the viewers of Shakespeare's tragedy know every detail of Romeo and Juliet's relationship. The theme of overcoming social boundaries to find love is prevalent in Talk to Her (2002) as well. The main characters, Benigno Martin and Marco Zulago, are stripped bare, the most cherished details of their private lives exposed—no matter the shock value. Benigno Martín is a nurse obsessed with his coma patient, Alicia Roncero. Almodóvar allows his audience to observe this obscure relationship to the fullest, forcing social restraints to take a backseat to Benigno's reality. The tumultuous personal life of Marco, the unwavering friend and companion of Benigno, is explored as well. The viewer witnesses personal moments of Marco's past concerning the two great loves of his life. Exploring the treasured memories and experiences of the characters lives' grasps and holds the viewers' interest throughout the film, the social unacceptability making them even more intriguing. Although the context where Almodóvar and Shakespeare's characters are placed differs, many underlying themes such as love overcoming social bounds, protagonist naïveté, and fate remain the same. By borrowing techniques and themes from Shakespeare, Almodóvar has created a modern day Romeo and Juliet .
A prevalent theme in both Talk to Her and Romeo and Juliet is one of love overcoming social boundries to experience love. In present day culture Benigno's relationship with a patient is unacceptable and, to some, despicable. This eventually leads to the loss of Benigno's rights as a free citizen and a life in jail. The intimacy he was allowed with Alicia was given with the utmost trust. Alicia's father, Dr. Roncero, even questions Benigno's sexuality.
Dr. Roncero: Your sexual orientation.
Benigno: My sexual orientation?
Dr. Roncero: Yes, your sexuality. If you like men or women. When you came to see me, you said you were still a virgin.
Benigno: Well… To answer your question in some way, I think I'm oriented more towards men.
If Alicia's father was to discover Benigno's love for Alicia he would become disgusted and immediately stop their daily interaction which allows such closeness between Benigno and Alicia. This is witnessed in multiple scenes of daily baths, hair care treatments, and even manicures. Although the unorthodox relationship is difficult for the audience to grasp, they must accept Benigno's reality to appreciate the film and understand his actions.
Similarly, the audience must understand Romeo and Juliet's points of view for an enhanced comprehension of the characters. The Montague and Capulet families have been at war for years and continue to prohibit the interaction of their children—producing many problems. This creates the entire plot for Romeo and Juliet and intertwines moral questions of family loyalty and fidelity with one's self. While the two fall in love, the Capulets are concurrently attempting to marry off Juliet. Family members also are willing to fight to keep the lovers apart, creating further difficulties. If an outsider of that time period was aware of their relationship it would be completely unacceptable. The forbidden love of the two protagonists ultimately leads to their demise.
The death of Romeo and Juliet was due to a love so strong it altered their state of mind, leading to irrational decisions. The type of love the characters experienced, a passionate, innocent, and surreal love, is the basis for all of their actions. The protagonists were not in a solid, long term relationship—they barely knew each other. Romeo does not speak a word to Juliet, yet falls in love instantly the moment he sees her on the balcony. Although the story appears to be romantic, Romeo has no basis for such strong feelings which overpower his normal thought process. Juliet was a beautiful girl who could have any personality Romeo wanted because the two had never met. This innocent and idealistic approach to love ends death—not good fortune.
