Synopsis

In 1970s Madrid, a teenage mother gives birth during a citywide blackout. Years later, her son Victor is released from prison after a shooting leaves police officer David paralyzed. As Victor pursues the woman he once loved, he becomes entangled with David's wife and the officer's former partner, drawing all four into a volatile cycle of desire, guilt, revenge, and possible redemption.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is adapted from Ruth Rendell's 1986 crime novel Live Flesh, which won the Crime Writers' Association's Gold Dagger.

• The original Spanish title, Carne tremula, translates literally as "trembling flesh."

• The film marked Penelope Cruz's first appearance in a Pedro Almodovar production.

• Jorge Sanz was initially cast as Victor, but was replaced by Liberto Rabal approximately one week after filming began.

• Principal photography took place from February through April 1997, with extensive location work in Madrid, including Puerta de Alcala, Plaza de Cibeles, and Plaza de Isabel II.

• Live Flesh received two nominations at the 1998 European Film Awards, including Best European Film and Best European Actor for Javier Bardem.

• Jose Sancho won the Goya Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film.