Review of Tristana (1970) by Dinah D — 07 Jan 2005

[b]Out of the Past[/b] is a well done noir movie which disappointed me. The movie itself is absorving enough to keep you entertained, and the plot gets more complex of what it might seem, but I wasn't at all much interested, specially on the second half. I suppose it can be defined as the quintessential film noir, but I felt like it was a little cold and unsuccessful at times (and not just the end, which I found to be dull and anticlimatic). However, the cinematography is excellent, and Robert Mitchum is really perfect in his role; he delivers the best dialogue. Jane Greer is alright yet Kirk Douglas is rather wasted. I'd recommend it, even if it is a bit overhyped.

[b]Tristana [/b]is an adaptation of the known Benito Pérez Galdós novel of the same name. I enjoyed the book so I was looking foward to what Buñuel would do with the material. I must admit the casting is excellent. Fernando Rey is pitch perfect as the egocentric and aging Don Lope, Catherine Deneuve is as addecuate as poor Tristana. But the film goes wrong in many ways. Not only the adaptation is mediocre (too many changes, including a change of time and place), but the film itself isn't very engaging. The dream sequences and even an amputation are there, and the acting cannot be criticized, but it is slow and tedious at times, too theatrical at others. Lots of sobriety and not much reward.

[b]Él [/b](and not "El", as some name it), which literally means "Him", has become my new favourite film by Buñuel (replacing [i]Los Olvidados[/i]). It's a very fine movie which the director made during his mexican period. A harrowing, convincing and genuine take on a man's obsession. Arturo de Cordova is insanely brilliant as Francisco, a religious man who goes mad for a young woman, Gloria., whom he soon marries The man's passion towards his wife ends up reaching tragic and disturbing heights. It somehow reminded me of [i]Tristana [/i](an older man obsessed with a younger woman), but this here is much more intense and captivating. A total must.