45 Years Ago, This Legendary Director’s Debut Featured a Risqué Scene—Guess Who?

A Debut Film Wrapped in Controversy

In 1980, Spain was introduced to “Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls from the Block,” the first feature film by the bold new director, Pedro Almodóvar. Shot on a shoestring budget in 16 mm, the film captures the vibrancy of the Movida Madrileña—a post-Franco cultural movement where art and irreverence overtook traditional conventions after 36 years under dictatorship.

The plot follows three unconventional women: Pepi (Carmen Maura), an independent woman seeking revenge on a policeman who assaulted her; Luci (Eva Siva), a masochistic woman trapped in a toxic marriage; and Bom (Alaska), a sadistic rock singer. Together, they form a dynamic trio that shatters taboos and blasts away traditional values.

Through a blend of biting humor, provocation, and visual exuberance, the film portrays a Spanish society on a quest for both sexual and artistic liberation.

The “General Erections” Scene: A Subversive Manifesto

One of the film’s most memorable sequences, the “General Erections” scene, epitomizes the director’s provocative spirit. At a wild party, a host played by Almodóvar himself orchestrates a bizarre and raw contest: measuring the participants’ erect penises. This scene, both provocative and comical, perfectly illustrates the rejection of norms and the pursuit of freedom that drive the film.

At the time, this scene was a direct challenge to the moral standards enforced by the recently collapsed Franco regime. By making visible what had been taboo, Almodóvar turned provocation into a political act. Far from being merely vulgar, the moment becomes a declaration of artistic and sexual freedom, marking the beginning of a career characterized by daring.

When Irreverence Becomes Cult

Today, “Pepi, Luci, Bom…” is regarded as a cult masterpiece, emblematic of a reborn Spain. This initial work foreshadowed Almodóvar’s recurring themes: gender fluidity, the complexity of human relationships, and rebellion against established norms.

Despite its technical and narrative imperfections, the film retains a raw energy that continues to captivate. The “General Erections” scene, once criticized, is now seen as a key component of the cultural revolution of the 1980s. From the outset, Pedro Almodóvar demonstrated that nothing could restrain his creativity or his desire to shake up the status quo.

And if you’re a fan of Pedro Almodóvar, don’t miss his stunning first English-language feature film, “The Room Next Door,” now showing in theaters.

“Pepi, Luci, Bom and other girls from the block” is now available on MUBI, as part of a series on debut films.