The cinema of Fernando Colomo and the Comedia Madrileña: an exploration of the urban spaces of Madrid

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-584

Keywords:

Film direction, Film authorship, Spanish cinema, Spanish transition, Comedia Madrileña, Fernando Colomo, Madrid, Urban space

Abstract

Introduction: This research aims to determine the suitability of the concept of the Comedia Madrileña, which has been assumed since its inception by audiences and critics, although not so much by its representatives. It also seeks to establish the relationship between urban spaces in Fernando Colomo’s early films, included within this cinematographic subgenre. Methodology: It combines an exhaustive documentary analysis, prolonged for more than twenty years, with a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the different locations of the selected feature films. These were chosen for their relevance and categorized both by their modality and by the times in which the action takes place in each of the locations. Discussion and Results: The majority of films analyzed show a high percentage of sequences filmed in exteriors of Madrid with a marked prominence of natural interiors. Conclusions: Colomo did not choose locations by chance but was motivated by realism and budget limitations. With Spain’s democratization, he began using more public spaces in Madrid, reflecting his preferences for modern architecture. The interiors represent intimacy and freedom, while the city symbolizes democratic victory and offers an ironic and joyful vision of urban life.

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Author Biographies

María Lara-Martínez, Complutense University of Madrid

Assistant Professor specialising in Audiovisual Communication in the Department of Communication Theory and Analysis (Complutense University of Madrid). She has published a monograph, several book chapters and several articles in indexed scientific journals. She has participated in several research projects, including 2 H2020 projects (RAISD and FoTRRIS), where she has carried out research and dissemination activities with the creation of different audiovisual pieces. She is a specialist in Audiovisual Editing, having worked as a professional film editor since 1994. Among other projects, she has edited 12 feature films, including many of Fernando Colomo's films, such as Isla Bonita and La Tribu, the director's last great success.

Antonio Lara Martínez, Rey Juan Carlos University

Lecturer at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos where he teaches ‘Film and television production’. He is the author of the book analysing the past, present and future of post-production, El cine ha muerto, larga vida al cine. At the same time, since 1994 he has edited 16 films, including the documentary De Salamanca a ninguna parte, by Chema de la Peña and Al Sur de Granada and Rivales, by Fernando Colomo.

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Published

2024-11-25

How to Cite

Lara-Martínez, M., & Lara Martínez, A. (2024). The cinema of Fernando Colomo and the Comedia Madrileña: an exploration of the urban spaces of Madrid. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-584

Issue

Vol. 10 (2025)

Section

Humanism and Social Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2024 María Lara-Martínez, Antonio Lara Martínez

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