No one ever doubted Pedro Almodovar was a big deal, but this is kind of crazy: Between his new picture Volver, his eight-film retrospective currently making the American distribution rounds and last month's wildly hyped New York Film Festival stopover that felt at times like a coronation weekend, the 57-year-old director arrives back in NYC theaters Friday at what seems like the height of his powers. In the middle of it all, The Reeler somehow caught up with him and Volver leading lady Penelope Cruz -- whose work commanded its own loyal festival following -- to learn more about their latest collaboration and what makes them such a formidable pair.

Have a listen:

Reeler Podcast: Pedro Almodovar and Penelope Cruz (11.7 MB)

Needless to say, the pleasure was mine.

At any rate, enjoy, and drop back by next week for the next Reeler Podcast, featuring Fur director Steven Shainberg.

(Photo: Emilio Pereda and Paola Ardizzoni / Sony Pictures Classics)