Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Imagining Argentina
- Commentary: Hmmm. What to say about this movie? Well, firstly, it was almost universally panned by The Critic Class. You know who I mean. The critics who get published in newspapers and magazines. Roger Ebert didn't even touch it. Surprisingly, there were two major critics who gave it high ratings: The critic for the LA Times (review attached to the title of this post) and the critic for the San Francisco Chronicle (here's the link for the sfgate review). Otherwise, the pros just generally stomped all over this production. However, secondly, among plebian movie watchers (myself included), it was almost univerally enjoyed and well rated. My experience is that I saw the movie on some streaming service not long after it was released for theatrical viewing and then pulled from theaters. I don't remember what service, nor do I remember what provoked me to watch it, but it stuck with me, so much that, when I was reminded of the movie earlier today (in an article delineating "movie stinkers") I decided, let me check the price on this, oh, it's reasonable, more than reasonable, in fact, it's a bargain, and I ordered it.
The LA Times review, by the way, includes cast reactions to the audience and critical reactions, as well.
I didn't know, until today, searching out the movie, that it was universally panned by critics and universally enjoyed by plebes, including me. Realizing this is a large part of why I decided to acquire it. I am not above enjoying movies that (many professional) others find downright detestable (and, believe me, many professional critics placed this film into that category).
So saying, since it isn't a popular movie, it'll take a few days to make it to my doorstep (or mailbox, whatever). I'll report back. I'm so very curious to see how this movie hits me, now, and, by the way, pleased to add it to my collection, in large part because of the contention surrounding it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Antonio Banderas Carlos Rueda Emma Thompson Cecilia Rueda Leticia Dolera Teresa Rueda Maria Canals Esme Palomas Rubén Blades Silvio Ayala Irene Escolar Eurydice Fernando Tielve Orfeo/Enrico Mariana Seligmann Guzman Tochter Andreas Tang Himself Carlos Kaniowski Rubén Mendoza Claire Bloom Sara Sternberg John Wood Amos Sternberg
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2003
Directed by Christopher Hampton.
Labels: emma-thompson, haunting3, historical5, magical-realism, political5, tragedy3, war3
