Almodovar’s films have similar themes – lost identities, women with secrets, unusual relationship: almost a formula in fact. It is no surprise then that in Broken Embraces similar themes are evident. However it is different from his earlier works as it is somewhat less frenetic, perhaps more reflective and an easier storyline to follow.

Broken Embraces is a mature film from a mature director. Also it is not just Penolope Cruz, good as she is, as ever the film relies on an ensemble particularly Lluis Homar. If you’re not sure about Almodovar, this might be the film to change your mind.

If you like landscape, calm thinking and a poetic voice go and see Richard Long at the Tate Britain – until 6 Sept. His lengthy career is well represented with photographs, a room of stone works (lovely), plus very poetic writing on the walls.

The concept of making art out/with the landscape plus time and movement sounds odd but somehow it works. He also shows a very creative mind looking at the landscape in many different ways.

The whole effect is very calming, thoughful and reassuring British. The video in the room outside the exhibition highlights his roots in the English countryside.

I was not sure about going to the Serpentine Gallery to see Jeff Koons Popeye series: nice to be proved wrong.

He certainly knows how to produce very garish objects – that’s pop art for you – but also includes absolutely stunning deceptive illusion in way items are produced – hard to understand it. How can a chain of blow-up monkeys hanging from the ceiling support a chair?

While you are there you can also visit the Serpentine Pavilion for this year – an annual event – when a architect is invited to build a semi-permanent structure. Great, very shiny and mirrored.

Picture of the Serpentine Pavilion 2009

Gay icons at the National Portrait Gallery is one of their smaller exhibitions but worth some quality time. I was slightly dubious about the concept but by keeping an open mind was rewarded by a really enjoyable event.

Ten famous and less known gays were invited to choose six of their personal icons. Their choices did not have to be gay so there is a real mixture both of sexes, background, ages and decades.

Its very informative and moving: for example Billy Jean King chose her family for supporting her career; Ian McKellen, Harvey Milk; Elton John, John Lennon. Go see.