A Barton Films release of a Skapada Films, Irusoin, Pato Films, Marela Films, Encanta Films production in association with ETB, TV3. (International sales: Skapada Films, Madrid.) Produced by Raquel Colera, Xabier Berzosa. Executive producers, Fernando Larrondo, Juan Ruiz. Directed by Rodrigo Rodero, based on a novel by Francisco Casavella. Screenplay, Michel Gaztambide, Rodero, based on the novel by Francisco Casavella.
With: Andres Gertrudix, Irene Escolar, Helena Miquel, Karra Elejalde.
A dark, atmospheric take on the doomed love affair between a young Barcelona drug dealer and a middle-class junkie, "The Impossible Language" reps a striking if uneven first film for Rodrigo Rodero. Also serving as a portrait of barrio life in Barcelona in the early 1980s at a time of social change for Spain, pic shows its influences, principally Antonioni, too clearly, but its blend of grunge and lyricism is quietly seductive. "Language" marks a daring debut that merits further fest hearings.
Fernando (an edgy, gaunt Andres Gertrudix) meets heroin addict Elsa (Irene Escolar), who's given to delivering self-absorbed monologues about life. Fascinated by her, but unwilling to support her habit, Fernando abandons Elsa, drifting into a relationship with artist Victoria (Helena Miquel). Pic is full of silences, some pregnant, some empty: One tour de force scene is a three-minute shot of a fluttering curtain at a life-changing moment for Fernando. Gertrudix is made for the role, while Escolar, though suitably delicate and ethereal, lacks the necessary heft. Music is key, mixing period songs with recent indie fare, and functions neatly as a commentary on the action.
Camera (color), Luis Bellido; editor, Fernando Franco; art director, Raquel Peris, Fatima Gutierrez; costume designer, Clara Bilbao; sound (Dolby Digital), Dani Fontrodona. Reviewed at Cine Renoir Plaza de Espana, Madrid, Nov. 30, 2010. Running time: 92 MIN.
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