La mujer del ministro (1981)

"La mujer del ministro" (1981), directed by Eloy de la Iglesia, is a Spanish-Mexican co-production that blends political intrigue, corruption, and eroticism against the backdrop of Spain's post-Franco transition to democracy. This film, starring Simón Andreu as the corrupt Minister of Economy, Amparo Muñoz as his sexually liberated wife Teresa, and Manuel Torres as a young Marxist involved in a blackmail scheme, is a provocative entry in de la Iglesia’s filmography. Known for his transgressive style, the director uses this melodrama to explore power dynamics, sexuality, and societal hypocrisy, though it’s often overshadowed by its reputation for explicit content.
The plot centers on a group of young radicals who kidnap the minister’s wife, only to stumble into a web of sexual and political entanglements. Teresa, far from a passive victim, engages in affairs—including a lesbian relationship—and becomes a catalyst for the film’s escalating tension. The narrative builds toward a violent climax, with a notable scene involving the minister’s death by a gunshot from his own son, reflecting the chaotic unraveling of authority figures. The film’s mix of soap-opera excess and social commentary is both its strength and its Achilles’ heel, depending on the viewer’s taste.