Review of Goya's Ghosts (2006) by Mark A — 08 Apr 2010
A nightmare film about a very dark chapter in European history, when the Age of Enlightenment dawned and the forces of rationalism still waged war with the Catholic church and its Holy Inquisition. Natalie Portman played a dual role as mother and daughter, Ines, one of Goya's models who is swept up in the religious fervor of the Inquisition and also her orphaned daughter, Alicia, who became a street prostitute.
The role of Ines was particularly wrenching and extremely well played. Javier Bardem as the priest, and leader of the Spanish Inquisition who was disgraced and returned with the French "liberators" was foreboding and dark in his machinations to protect his reputation at the expense of others.
And Stellan Skarsgard did a masterful job as Goya, one of Spain's most celebrated artists. There were times that the script stretched credibility, and several scenes of brutality and human misery made this film difficult to watch at times.
But the craft is evident and the the topic relevant to today, investigating knowledge versus faith and liberty versus security and the role of the artist to seek after truth no matter the cost.
This review of Goya's Ghosts (2006) was written by Mark A on 08 Apr 2010.
Goya's Ghosts has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
