Winter 2006-2007

The winter 2006-2007 film season has been one of the liveliest I've had in recent months. Last month, I watched the following five films on the silver screen. So as not to miss so much excitement, I'll make a few comments on every single one: Apocalypto, Babel, Volver, The Queen, and Little Children. Some movies were premium quality while others were not exactly worth the time or money to see them in the theater (or anywhere!).

Apocalypto (2006)
Despite the best guesses of Apocalyto producers, the Mayans were not exactly like Native Americans from New Mexico. They were neither acrobats nor gymnasts, contrary to rumor, and human sacrifices were not the central to their rituals – that was the Aztecs, not the Mayans. This film was shot over several months among remote indigenous people, and the creators of this movie could not do their ancestors an ounce of justice (or employ them as main actors). They missed the chance to illuminate one of the most intriguing cultures of the world. The result was a blood lusting, macho, simplistic, and drum-crazed American fantasy in the jungle. Not to be nationalistic or partisan, of course.

Babel (2006)
Babel was a movie I was looking forward to seeing for over a year. Alejandro González Iñárritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams) arrived in Babel delivering another film full of parallel stories. The premise is clear and well developed – miscommunication in the modern world: "If you want to be understood… listen", reads its tagline. This story is not about good and evil, but about human decisions. The acting is superb (Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael García Bernal, Adriana Barraza, Rinko Kikuchi) and the music is flawless (Gustavo Santaolalla, Oscar winner from Brokeback Mountain). Although this movie did not depend as heavily upon stereotypes as Crash did, it is full of extreme situations that at the end keep the film from reaching a masterful ending. This was disappointing, because I think it was heading towards being a masterpiece.

Volver (2006)
Almodóvar (All About my Mother, Talk to Her) returns to the screen with Volver. From the cinematography and the music to the acting and the fabulous screenplay, this is one of the most beautiful productions of the year. Penélope Cruz is amazingly gorgeous in every single scene – I somehow forgot how beautiful and good an actress she can be (after so many bad performances in mainstream movies). Volver is a story of women; it is a story of mothers, aunts, sisters, and daughters – men are more often incidental curiosities than central in the world of Almódovar. Volver is a story that goes so deep into the roots of Spaniard culture that I was amazed to see that it was also a story that holds true for Mexico and Latin American cultures. This movie is showing in the States after being screened in Spain since March 2006. You can catch it at the Landmark E Street Cinema and at AMC Loews Shirlington. Do not wait!

The Queen (2006)
The Queen, supported by many great reviews in the media, it is in fact very well produced and acted. Nonetheless, I could not feel sympathy for such a frivolous story. I may be completely wrong, but fascination with the British Royal family and their difficult life does not deserve my time or worries. Once again, I watched a story involving Princess Diana's death, where she is being used to humanize the crown. I may be wrong – because all the critics say that this is one of the movies of the year – but if you are not fascinated with the British monarchy and their decision about going to a funeral or not, do not waste your time.

Little Children (2006)
And last but not least, I watched Little Children. Since I spotted the trailer, I was keen to see this film. I was astonished by the intensity of the music and images contained in that little piece of cinematography. I was not disappointed. This is, without a doubt, one of the most intelligent, creative, and artistic films I have been seen in my life. Every word was important. Every scene was captivating. Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson shined throughout the film. The character development and the witty narrative through the film prove the unique talent of the director. Little Children could be a difficult movie to watch for some, but the tensions inherent to the relationships between men and women it explores should not keep you away from the screen. The power of being able to identify and empathize with so many characters at the same is difficult to accomplish and Little Children does it with flying colors. This movie is starting to show in more theaters throughout the city. You can – or more candidly, you must – catch it at Landmark E Street Cinema or AMC Loews Shirlington.