Review of Little Ashes (2008) by Becky S — 06 Sep 2010
An interesting fantasia on the relationship between Lorca, Dali, and Bunuel when they were up-and-coming artists in Spain, set to the backdrop of the rise of fascism. My personal worship of Dali's work may have caused me to enjoy this film more than others might -I'm not sure.
Most of what I've seen and read has dealt with Dali's marriage and later life - this was a neat window into his possible youth. But the film is really about Lorca the poet; Dali is his muse. Actually, they are mutual muses, and their bond becomes strained by the intensities of youth, genius, and political upheaval.
Sexual tensions and entanglements with Bunuel and a woman who's in love with Lorca screw everything up, as does Dali's increasingly eccentric behavior and egomaniacal dysfunction. Lorca is deeply sympathetic and there is enough meat on the bone here - as well as some decent acting from all concerned - to hold one's interest, especially for those interested in the Surrealists, Dadaism, Dali, Lorca, the rise of fascism in Europe, etc.
This review of Little Ashes (2008) was written by Becky S on 06 Sep 2010.
Little Ashes has generally received mixed reviews.
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