In 1988, Spain’s Pedro Almodóvar scored an international hit with the satirical Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. A romantic farce, it played out a bit like a 1960’s Doris Day film on speed. So, you can imagine American fans surprise when his next film, 1990’s Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! was originally given an X rating by the MPAA for scenes of sexuality and violence.

Starring in his fifth Almodóvar film, Antonio Banderas plays Ricky, just released from a mental institution, from a mental institution with nothing but the clothes on his back and an envelope of money from his psychiatrist for years of “services rendered.” With that, he has one burning ambition to get to the woman he loves. On one of his many escapes from the hospital, he met and made love to Marina (Victoria Abril), a junkie and former porn star. Now clean and just finished filming a legitimate movie, things are on the upswing for Marina. Her director Maximo (Francisco Rabal), a lecherous, wheelchair bound fellow is sexually obsessed with his star and regularly masturbates while watching her porn films. Marina’s sassy sister Lola (Loles Leon) works as Maximo’s assistant; her main job is to keep the director a safe distance from her sister.

When Ricky sneaks into the studio on the last day of the shoot, Marina (likely high when they first met), doesn’t remember him and rejects his claims of love, he steals her apartment key and follows her home. He traps her there, holding her hostage long enough for her to fall in love with him. Given her past addiction issues, Marina’s disappearance is a cause for concern among her family and friends.

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! is a odd film. The subject matter is dark and serious, but its execution is almost playful. Pedro Almodóvar seems to be poking fun at himself and his reputation as a director who favors women. After initially being slapped around and then tied to a bed, Marina slowly begins to develop feelings for Ricky. Almodóvar, who wrote the screenplay, manages to generate a real sense of affection for these two damaged people, among the handcuffs and rope. Ricky, despite his crime, appears sweet. He has spent all of his twenty three years in and out of orphanages, reform schools and mental institutions. When he tells Marina, “I’m 23 years old, I have 50,000 pesetas, and I’m alone in the world. I’ll try to be a good husband to you, and a good father to your kids,” his words are genuine and heartfelt. Marina, an addict trying to rebuild her life, actually requests at one point that Ricky tie her up so she won’t be tempted to escape. It’s strange, but somehow Almodóvar makes that a very touching scene.

The real fascination of Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! lies in watching Almodóvar take a completely absurd situation and reveal the unexpected humanity within. There’s no clear explanation as to why Marina would develop such strong feelings for the young man who kidnapped her, except it gradually becomes clear that Ricky’s true nature is something other than that of a violent kidnapper. In the end, Ricky is genuinely naïve and longs to be part of a family.

Both Antonio Banderas and Victoria Abril deliver strong, nuanced performances that go a long way in making the strange story believable. As Marina’s long suffering sister, Loles León adds a caustic humor to the proceedings. While the lovemaking scene between Ricky and Marina that led to the film’s original X rating is explicit, it’s in no way gratuitous. While Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! isn’t for everyone, it’s an interesting study on the psychology of love.

Supervised by director Pedro Almodóvar and executive producer Agustín Almodóvar, Criterion’s new 2K digital restoration looks stunning. The image is sharp and wonderfully detailed, with no signs of wear. Colors are deeply saturated and look better than ever before.

The Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track sounds wonderful. Dialogue is clear throughout and the music, ranging from orchestrations to pop, sounds full.

English subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • United! Reflections on Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (HD, 28:16) Produced by Criterion in 2014, this making-of documentary looks at the production history of the film, the MPAA controversy, its reception and eventual success, etc. Interviews with Pedro Almodóvar, executive producer Agustin Almodóvar, cinematographer Jose Luis Alcaine, director of production Esther Garcia, actors Antonio Banderas, Victoria Abril, Rossy de Palma (“Motorcycle girl”), and Loles Leon are included.
  • Interview with Michael Barker (HD, 14:57) In this new interview, the co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics, discusses his and his company’s professional relationship with Pedro Almodóvar, the director’s storytelling and visual style, and the MPAA controversy surrounding the film.
  • Pedro and Antonio (HD, 26:13) Filmed in 2003, Pedro Almodóvar and Antonio Banderas discuss the MPAA controversy, the film’s themes, Pedro Almodóvar style, Antonio Banderas’ subsequent international success, etc.
  • “Resistire” (HD, 4:00) Footage from the premiere of Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! in Madrid in 1989.
  • Trailer (HD, 2:26) Original trailer for Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!.
  • Booklet: 26-page illustrated booklet featuring: “The Birth of Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! by Pedro Almodóvar; “Visions of Desire: Kent Jones Talks to Wes Anderson About Almodóvar “; “Aimed at the Heart and the Genitals: An Interview with Almodóvar.”
  • Two DVDs containing the film and all the extras.