Shadows of Unchecked Authority

Read Time:4 Minute, 4 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
El Conde
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Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, History, Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Pablo Larraín
Writer(s): Guillermo Calderón, Pablo Larraín
Cast: Jaime Vadell, Gloria Münchmeyer, Alfredo Castro, Paula Luchsinger, Catalina Guerra, Marcial Tagle, Amparo Noguera, Diego Muñoz, Antonia Zegers, Stella Gonet
Where To Watch: premiering on Netflix September 15, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: You know those films you watch, and after the credits roll, you don’t know how you feel about it, yet the longer you think about the film, the more you appreciate it? That’s the case here; after screening the movie, I had difficulty processing the mix of genres, the film's aesthetic, the varied styles of acting, etc., yet after thinking about it for a few days, I fell hard for this movie in the best way possible! From the mind of Pablo Larraín springs a captivating cinematic experience, EL CONDE, where the icy chapters of Chile's past beautifully blend with classic vampire tales. Instead of presenting Augusto Pinochet as a textbook dictator, we find him reincarnated as another type of dark creature, lurking and longing in the corridors of an ancient manor. This isn't just a story; it explores legacy, fame, and an insatiable hunger for power.

Enter Jaime Vadell, not as an imitator but as a pioneer, bravely reinterpreting the depths of power and its lurking demons. Vadell doesn’t simply act; he reinvents, drawing viewers into his orbit and making them question their understanding of the infamous character. With Larraín’s touch behind the camera, EL CONDE effortlessly fuses haunting horror elements with biting satire, making audiences reflect upon the haunting echoes of unchecked malice.

But the choice of black and white is where the magic amplifies. It's more than a nostalgic nod; it's a portal into a spectral world dominated by figures reminiscent of Pinochet and their undying legacies. Edward Lachman’s cinematography doesn't just tell the story; it paints it, juxtaposing beauty with layers of poignant undertones.

As for setting the stage, the vastness of Patagonia is a silent character, magnifying the isolation of our lead. The impeccable attention to detail, from reviving a Patagonian dwelling to wrestling with the whims of nature, showcases the crew's commitment. The production design in the film is like magic, transforming the dilapidated remnants of a bygone era into a lively milieu fusing charm with traces of military heritage.

There’s a scene in EL CONDE, a transportation sequence set during the French Revolution. Just outside Santiago, viewers are treated to an elaborate spectacle – grand architecture, impeccable attire, and makeup reminiscent of 1789 Europe, yet unmistakably rooted in Chilean soil. Larraín's vision extends beyond the visual. It is a stark reminder of unchecked power's lasting scars, mainly when drawing parallels with real-life figures like Pinochet. His genius is reimagining this historical figure as an ageless vampire, hinting at the recurring nature of dominance and oppression.

EL CONDE isn’t simply a cinematic journey down history's lanes; it's a heartfelt plea for introspection and self-awareness. Larraín isn't just sharing a story; he's crafting a beacon, illuminating history's indelible blemishes and advocating for a world where they remain mere memories, not blueprints for the future.

In wrapping up, EL CONDE is an experience; somewhere beyond the horror and humor lies a more profound message – a call to recognize, rectify, and resonate with the art's transformative healing power. It invites viewers to witness and participate, urging them to safeguard history, ensuring that its darkest pages remain closed chapters, never reenacted.

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[photo courtesy of NETFLIX]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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