'Cafe de los maestros'
A Pathe Prods. (U.K.) presentation of a Lita Stantic Prods. (Argentina)/Parmil, S.A. (U.S.)/Videofilms Producciones Artisticas (Brazil) production. (International sales: Pathe, Paris.) Produced by Gustavo Santaoalla, Lita Stantic. Executive producer, Walter Salles, Francois Ivernel, Cameron McCracken. Directed by Miguel Kohan. Written by Kohan, Gustavo Sataolalla.
With: Horacio Salgan, Leopoldo Federico, Lagrima Rios, Anibal Arias, Duo Jose Libeertella, Luis Stazo
Despite having access to all the right accoutrements, tango concert docu "Cafe de los maestros" makes several missteps and is buoyed by the quality of its music alone. Obvious comparison is with Wim Wenders' "Buena Vista Social Club," but this documentary has neither finesse nor an international hit album to pave its way to must-see status. Pic will appeal to tango aficionados and offers limited commercial appeal, and will fare best in Latino markets. A quick twirl through the fest circuit is also likely.
A group of legendary Argentinean tango musicians gather together for a concert in the music's birthplace, Buenos Aires. Lack of information mars early enjoyment, as uninitiated auds must surmise who elderly musicians are and why they're being assembled. Each septuagenarian interviewee waxes lyrical over tango's 1940s golden age, but helmer Miguel Kohan neglects to provide historical context. Final concert is haphazardly realized, from sublime moments of sad splendor, to baffling, occasionally infuriating jump cuts during performances. HD lensing is pallid, but soothing sound quality ensures the tango music transcends the film's numerous failings.
Camera (color/B&W, HD), Kohan, Gabriel Pomeraniec, Frederico Gomez, Diego Poleri, Gaston Delecluze, Carolina Grana, Marcelo Iaccarino, Guillermo Nieto, Alejandra Palacios; editor, Alejandra Almiron, Gonzalo Santiso; music, Horacio Salgan, Leopoldo Federico, Anibal Arias, Duo Jose Libertella, Luis Stazo. Reviewed at Berlin Film Festival (Panorama Documentaries), Feb. 10, 2008. Running time: 93 MIN.
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