Jamón jamón

1992 Spanish film by Bigas Luna

Jamón Jamón is a 1992 Spanish film directed by Bigas Luna. The film is a comedy-drama that explores themes of sexuality, desire, and social class in Spain. It is notable for its satirical portrayal of Spanish culture and its use of symbolism.

Plot

The film is set in a small town in Spain, where Silvia, a young woman working in a lingerie factory, becomes pregnant by her boyfriend José Luis. José Luis is the heir to a successful underwear business owned by his mother, Conchita. Conchita disapproves of Silvia and hires Raúl, a bullfighter and ham salesman, to seduce Silvia and break up her relationship with José Luis.

A scene from Jamón Jamón

As the story unfolds, Raúl becomes genuinely attracted to Silvia, leading to a complex love triangle. The film explores the characters' desires and ambitions, set against the backdrop of Spanish cultural motifs, such as bullfighting and jamón.

Cast

• Penélope Cruz as Silvia
• Javier Bardem as Raúl
• Jordi Mollà as José Luis
• Stefania Sandrelli as Conchita
• Anna Galiena as Carmen

Themes

Jamón Jamón is rich in symbolism and metaphor. The film uses the imagery of jamón (Spanish ham) to represent masculinity and sexuality. The bullfighting scenes symbolize the passion and conflict inherent in the characters' relationships. The film also critiques consumerism and the class divide in Spanish society.

Production

The film was shot in the Monegros Desert in Aragon, Spain. The stark landscape serves as a metaphor for the emotional barrenness and intensity of the characters' lives. Bigas Luna's direction is noted for its visual style and eroticism.

Reception

Upon its release, Jamón Jamón received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling and performances, particularly those of Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. The film won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival and helped launch the international careers of its lead actors.

Legacy

Jamón Jamón is considered a classic of Spanish cinema and is often studied for its exploration of gender roles and cultural identity. It remains a significant work in the filmography of Bigas Luna and continues to be appreciated for its satirical edge and artistic merit.

Related pages

• Spanish cinema
• Bigas Luna
• Penélope Cruz
• Javier Bardem