Almodóvar attacks Trump, Netflix, and Will Smith

Legendary Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, aged 76, has voiced sharp critiques concerning Donald Trump, Will Smith, and the burgeoning influence of Netflix, coinciding with the release of his 24th film, Bitter Christmas. This new movie, a cautionary tale on autofiction, is labeled by Almodóvar as his riskiest cinematic endeavor to date.

Almodóvar's criticisms extend to the political arena, advocating for the European Union to act as a shield against Trump's "lawless world." He also alluded to Will Smith's past conduct, including the 2022 Academy Awards incident, describing the actor's past statements as "silly" and indicative of "bad taste."

The director expressed grave concerns regarding Netflix and streaming services, warning that they are "very close to winning" the battle against traditional theatrical releases. He lamented the disappearance of cinematic elements like film posters and premiere fashion, signifying a potential loss of cultural excitement.

Bitter Christmas itself delves into meta-narrative complexities, with Almodóvar directing a film about a director writing a film about a director writing a film. This intricate structure requires significant audience attention, a quality he feels is diminishing in contemporary viewers.

The film also tackles the ethics of autofiction, with Almodóvar admitting that approximately 80% of his alter ego character's dialogue reflects his own potential utterances. He acknowledges the inherent selfishness of writers, likening his character Raúl to a villain for "vampiring" others' lives for his art.

Despite facing personal health challenges, including hearing loss and a stye, Almodóvar remains prolific, with his first novel, The Man Who Only Wrote on Airplanes, set for publication in Spain in October 2026. He emphatically states his continued desire to make films, contrasting himself with Luis Buñuel's eventual desire for rest.