New Int'l. Release

Myway

 (Spain)

By JONATHAN HOLLAND

A Baditri release of an Alguienvolo, ZIP Films release, with participation of TVC. (International sales: Baditri, Barcelona.) Produced by Jordi Rediu, Jose Antonio Salgot, Norbert Llaras. Directed by J. A. Salgot. Screenplay, Angels Diemand, Luis Vega, Salgot.
 
With: Jordi Sanchez, Joan Dalmau, Asuncion Balaguer, Jaume Garcia Arija, Silvia Marso, Ariel Casas, Miquel Folch, Ramon Pujol, Susana Fawaz, Ana Fibla.
(Catalan dialogue)
 

Helmer J.A. Salgot unquestionably does it his way in the overwrought, high-strung "Myway," an offbeat yarn told in an offbeat manner that provides pleasure and frustration in roughly equal measure. Combining family drama, thriller and social critique into a dramatically dissatisfying whole, Barcelona-set pic is partly redeemed by its stylistic daring. However, Salgot's apparent fixation with striking images means the human side struggles to get a look-in. Limited fest exposure looms for this Feb. 1 Spanish release.

When the elderly Asuncion (Asuncion Balaguer) collapses, her husband Alberto (Joan Dalmau), who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, is taken in by son Marc (Argentine thesp Ariel Casas), who's been away for years in Argentina (a script device to justify Casas' accent). Marc is a criminal who speculates in real estate and traffics in drugs; somewhat implausibly, he's married to marketing exec Tes (Silvia Marso), who has, in a neat satirical jab at her profession, developed an odorless perfume called "Nothing."

There are three basic story strands. First deals with Marc's relationship with the increasingly distracted Alberto: His feelings for the old man, though perhaps motivated by guilt, are the only positive aspect of a character who's otherwise repugnant and also pretty dull. Second strand concerns money Marc owes to drug baron Rosario (Ana Fibla); clumsy crook Rafa (Jordi Sanchez), who reps pic's only comic relief, has been dispatched by Rosario to recover the cash.

Third strand seems to be there only so the script can reinforce its point about the harmful effects of wealth on society. Marc's daughter, Carla (Susana Fawaz), struggles with her conscience after she's taken photos of her coked-up rich-kid friends setting a tramp on fire.

There's too much going on in "Myway" for its own good, and the script struggles to keep everything together. Flashbacks are liberally used, sometimes to useful dramatic effect, sometimes merely to show off helmer Salgot's undoubted skill at conjuring up entrancing visuals. With many scenes lasting less than 30 seconds, pic feels more like a series of sometimes terrific standalone sequences than a dramatic whole.

Casas struggles to pull the contradictions of Marc -- part sensitive, piano-playing existentialist, part thug -- into anything coherent, while the breathless script gives other characters little time to develop. Still, Dalmau, who mumbles and shuffles through pic like a vision of a lost soul, is compelling as the sick Alberto.

Handheld HD lensing, combined with excessive closeups, makes for an exhausting visual ride; even Barcelona's beautiful nocturnal cityscapes feel rushed. Score shifts between solo piano and full orchestral and, though often pretty, is overused. Songs are employed to good effect, with Dolo Beltran's stunning Spanish-language version of "My Way" over the end credits a standout.

Camera (color, HD-to-35mm), Oriol Vila; editor, Irene Blecua; music, Joan Miquel Oliver; art director, Leo Casamitjana; sound (Dolby Digital), Felipe Arago, Jordi Arques. Reviewed at Cines Luchana, Madrid, Feb. 5, 2008. (Also in Santa Barbara Film Festival -- Latino Cinemedia.) Running time: 105 MIN.