Coming off the harrowing tale of horror, torture, revenge and survival that was his intoxicating 2011 release The Skin I Live In, celebrated Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovàr decided to take on something lighter for his follow-up feature. With Los Amantes Pasajeros he brings together a collection of his recurring collaborators, including Lola Duenas, Javier Camara, Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz and Cecilia Roth, for a high-flying musical that taps back into his comedy roots.
Previously, Los Amantes Pasajeros was expected to be called Standby Lovers in the United States, but from henceforth, it will be known as I'm So Excited. The teaser below—courtesy of a tip from The Film Stage—gives a pretty clear idea of why:
I'm So Excited is an ensemble musical-comedy that features one of Almodovàr's biggest casts, and most confined settings. Taking place almost entirely on an airplane in flight, the feature will focus on the plane's crew and passengers as a fear of crashing leads them to unveil passions and secrets, sometimes through song. Considering Almodovàr's signature favoring of bold colors, theatrical performance styles and fantastical story elements, it's actually kind of shocking he hasn't made a musical sooner!
Even in this brief clip, you can get a sense of the audacious filmmaker's vivid palette, distinctive styling of his characters, and above all his general fabulousness. Air travel would be easily ten times less frustrating if flight attendants occasionally broke out into Pointer Sisters' classics. Sidenote: what is going on in that cockpit?
I'm So Excited will make its theatrical premiere in Spain on March 2013. A U.S. release will follow, starting November 22nd, 2013.
