Almodovar, Cruz embrace "Hugs"

By Pamela Rolfe

MADRID (Hollywood Reporter) - Spanish director Pedro Almodovar has decided to switch projects and next will shoot the film noir "Broken Hugs," starring Penelope Cruz.

Previously, the Oscar-winning director had said his next film would be "El Piel Que Habito."

Almodovar, always reluctant to give details about his films in advance, said "Broken Hugs" tells of a "crazy love." It also stars Blanca Portillo and Lluis Homar.

"As for Penelope, I'm going to delve into one of her little-known facets," Almodovar said of the actress, who received an Oscar nomination for her lead role in his most recent film, "Volver." "This won't be a comedy, but humor will be present."

He said he would start work in January. The script, he added, is his longest ever.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter