BY: SHANKAR AND ISA TRAVERSO BURGER**originally published by Distrikt Magazine 02/2006**
When we talk about film, almost every time, we begin by asking if it’s independent/artsy or commercial. As we all know, one of the main differences in the cinematographic formulas used between the Old Continent and the ones Made in America is the language utilized. European films, in their majority, use an expressive language as they photograph the actors’ expressions, like in the long takes where the audience is responsible for “reading” the acting and the emotion as they interpret it (happiness, pain, etc).
In the American formula, which we are used to on this side of the planet, the actor ‘has’ to let us know everything that is happening in the plot, leaving little for us to analyze, summarizing the climax and resulting in similarities with the rest of the films.
From my own point of view, this is one of the reasons why there is a controversy stating that European movies are slow and boring, while Hollywood is perceived as brainless and lacking in depth –always the same outcome-. A great balance between the predictable Hollywood cinema and the sometimes-incomprehensive European one would be the formula used in many of the Spanish films.
Even though Spanish (from Spain) cinema occupies an inappropriate position in the world of entertainment, it has been an important influence for the rest of the cinematographic styles of the last decade, blending quality, stories filled with emotion, free sex and urban realities. Its’ agile rhythm and typical timelessness make this cinematographic formula one of my favorites.
Ten or fifteen years ago, Spanish films had terrible sound; experts say that the final success of a movie lies in 40% how it looks and 60% how it sounds. Maybe that was the reason why Spanish cinema never transcended until they began recording the audio the way they should, and it’s now done. As if this wasn’t enough already, Spanish culture involves a narrative structure of “dialogue” that is warm and interesting; inviting us into their culture, traditions and moral ideologies. These always leave me with an air of freedom and weightlessness for the rest of my day.
In other words, if you care to watch something other than the traditional Californian plots and conclusions, but are not willing to make your brain exhausted, here are some of my recommendations on this marvelous genre, which I’m sure will not disappoint you:
Lucia y el Sexo
Eng: SEX AND LUCIA Director: Julio Medem
Ideal mood for watching this movie: With a friend (opposite or same depending on your preferences) and a couple of glasses of wine. This exquisitely erotic film and Paz Vega makes everyone (boy or girl) think about electric impulses inside our bodies.
Los Amantes del Circulo Polar
Eng: The Lovers from the North Pole (USA) The Lovers of the Arctic Circle (International: English title) Director: Julio Medem
Ideal mood for watching this movie: I suggest watching this movie with your loved one under a warm blanket. This is a very strong and amazing love story, like it has never been told before.
Hable Con Ella
Eng: TALK TO HER Director Pedro Almodóvar
Ideal mood for watching this movie: This masterpiece is good at any time, especially on a good Sunday afternoon (no hangover this time please). Try to have enough time after it to take a small walk on a park to chat about your experience.... This is, in my own opinion, the best job of Almodóvar so far...It’s the U2’s Achtung Baby for him. He’s the greatest Spanish movie director of his era.
¡Átame!
Eng: ¡Átame! Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Ideal mood for this movie: Friends, beers and snacks...This is a classic, one of the first great ones (sound and picture quality). It’s a crazy and fun love story with lots of nude scenes and Antonio Banderas acting (can you believe this?) instead of showing off his Spanish accent like he does nowadays!
