Review of Tony Manero (2008) by Tina T — 20 May 2010

Set against the backdrop of Pinochetâ??s Chile, this is an utterly compelling story about a middle-aged man who is obsessed with John Travoltaâ??s character from Saturday Night Fever. Larrain dispenses with any grand cinematics of Santiago instead concentrating on a Dardennes style that is every bit as oppressive as the regime that lingers around the edges of the narrative.

Alfredo Castro, in the lead role, is the focus of the film and he has no troubling carrying it with one of the most loathsome creations I have seen in a long time. I have watched this a couple of times now and although some of the connections might be fairly obvious it is a work of depth that is definitely one of the best films Iâ??ve seen from last year.