Running Time: 94 minutes
Release Date: Shown on Saturday 13th November as part of Mexican Film Festival at Mercury Cinema
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
http://www.mercurycinema.org.au/
Ano Bisiesto is by Australian born director, residing in Mexico, Michael Rowe in his directorial debut. This confronting film won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Melbourne Film Festival. The film explores the empty life of Laura (Monica Del Carmen) a single, freelance journalist living on her own in a small apartment in Mexico City, far away from her origins in Oaxaca. To abate her feelings of urban alienation and loss she embarks on a series of unsatisfying one night stands but portrays an idyllic life to her family over the phone. She then meets Arturo (Gustavo Sanchez Parra) who challenges her sexually and stays around long enough post coital to form an attachment. She becomes a willing accomplice in his sexual deviancy, initially submitting to his dominance.
This is not a comfortable or enjoyable film to watch, as it explores the darker side of the human condition and what attracts two people together given their vulnerabilities. This is a challenging film and there has been some debate on whether it is just an exploitative piece of pornography in the guise of seriously exploring sexual fetishes and S&M. However I find in favour of a good piece of storytelling, written by Lucia Carreras together with director Rowe, of a an isolated and lonely girl mourning the loss of her father. This is exemplified by the slow build up focussing on everyday tasks and lingering shots serving to highlight her mundane existence. Set almost entirely within the confines of her cramped, humble apartment coveting other people’s life through the view from her window. She seeks debasement and experiencing pain as the only way for her to justify feeling pleasure.
Monica Del Carmen (Babel) is a standout in this brave, revealing performance strongly supported by Gustavo Parra. Marco Zapata has a small but capable role as her brother Raul.
3.5/5 stars
More News
