A Glimpse Into the Mind’s Abyss

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MOVIE REVIEW
Viva La Muerte (Long Live Death)
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Genre: Drama, War
Year Released: 1971, 2024 Radiance Films
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Fernando Arrabal
Writer(s): Fernando Arrabal, Claudine Lagrive
Cast: Mohamed Bellasoued, Anouk Ferjac, Núria Espert, Mahdi Chaouch, Ivan Henriques, Jazia Klibi, Suzanne Comte
Where To Watch: available September 10, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Fernando Arrabal’s VIVA LA MUERTE strikes a chilling chord as it delves into the traumatic effects of political oppression on the young psyche. Within this surreal narrative, rooted deeply in director Fernando Arrabal’s own life experiences as documented in his autobiographical novel, the film invites viewers into the tumultuous world of young Fando. Straddling between the harsh realities of Franco's Spain and vivid, eerie escapes into fantasy, VIVA LA MUERTE stands out for its bold examination of oppressive systems, securing its spot as a crucial work in surrealist cinema.

From the very start, VIVA LA MUERTE grabs the viewer with its spine-chilling opening visuals, setting the stage for the dark journey that unfolds. Arrabal contrasts sharply captured real-life scenes with the turbulent surge of Fando's fantastical horrors, vividly depicting the protagonist's internal conflicts. As Fando grapples with his father’s unexplained disappearance and his mother’s domineering ways, the film adeptly reflects his mental turmoil.

At the heart of this narrative is Fando's strained relationship with his authoritarian mother, depicted with chilling precision by Nuria Espert. Her portrayal of extremist beliefs and rigid discipline pushes Fando to the edge, propelling him into a landscape filled with grotesque visions. These unsettling fantasies are laden with rich, disturbing imagery, serving not only as a means of escape but also as a direct commentary on the oppressive environment shaping his reality.

Moreover, VIVA LA MUERTE is deeply personal for Arrabal, reflecting his broader artistic vision. The film's disordered and chaotic essence hints at his affiliation with the Panic Movement, a collaboration with icons like Roland Topor and Alejandro Jodorowsky. It is reflected in the movie’s daring departure from traditional storytelling. Instead, it opts for an unfiltered narrative approach that challenges viewers and encourages deeper contemplation.

The meticulous creation of VIVA LA MUERTE is evident in its purposeful use of color, sound, and symbolism to bolster the storytelling. The disturbing juxtaposition of cheerful children's tunes against grim visuals intensifies the sense of lost innocence, crafting an emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

VIVA LA MUERTE is not for the faint-hearted. Its forthright exploration of dark human behaviors and unsettling imagery provides a challenging yet rewarding watch. The movie also explores the dynamics of power within families and society at large. Fando’s plight under his mother’s strict governance mirrors the authoritarian control prevalent in historical Spain. Her dual role as caretaker and oppressor reflects the intricate and often contradictory relationships that characterized the interactions between the populace and authoritative entities at the time.

VIVA LA MUERTE is a powerful artistic statement. Arrabal not only weaves a narrative filled with themes of repression, violence, and lost innocence but also invites the audience to reflect deeply on these issues. The film’s continued relevance as a provocative piece of art that inspires change ensures that it remains a profound and memorable experience long after the credits roll.

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
New 4K restoration of the original 35mm negative by the Cinémathèque Toulouse in collaboration with Fernando Arrabal
Audio discussion from the Project Booth podcast featuring Mike White, Heather Drain, and Jess Byard (66 mins)
Sur les traces de Baal – a short documentary by Abdellatif Ben Ammar in which the filmmaker followed Arrabal’s film and captured him at work on Viva la Muerte! (1970, 20 mins)
VIDARRABAL – a feature-length documentary on Arrabal by Xavier Pasturel Barron capturing the life and work of this singular filmmaker, playwright, painter, and essayist, featuring interviews with admirers, friends, and family, including members of the Panic Movement he founded (2011, 98 mins)
Interview with scholar and Spanish cinema expect David Archibald (2024)
Trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork
Booklet featuring new writing by Sabina Stent and archival interview with Fernando Arrabal
Limited Edition of 3000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip, leaving packaging free of certificates and markings

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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