The main reason I wanted to see this, was that Pablo Larrain was directing and that it starred Gael Garcia Bernal.
I have really enjoyed Larrain's film so far. 'No' was a really well made and highly intense drama and 'Jackie' wonderfully tense drama. Also, both had a wonderful look to it that fitted the period that those stories took place in.
With 'Neruda', the trailers gave me more of the same and another true story that I was looking forward to find out. Also, it had Garcia Bernal back again with Larrain. I really liked his performances in great films such as Bad Education, The Motorcycle Diaries, The Science Of Sleep, Babel and No.
From the opening scene, you can tell that something does not feel right. Then as the film goes on, the more I came to realise that this is certainly not the type of film I was expecting. I was noticing was I thought was just bad continuity. But I eventually worked out, then it's just the film-makers messing with us. It seemed that it is being played as a farcical comedy. By the end, it really makes you think what is real, and what is fiction.
If it is what I think it is, then it didn't completely work with me. It reminded me of when I saw Dr. Strangelove. Some things worked brilliantly, and the rest went over my head. But thankfully, there was plenty to admire and appreciate.
First and foremost, it's definitely not for the masses. It's far too strange and weird to appeal to that audience that will probably see this as pretentious. But if you like a film balancing on the line of farcical, then this would work well. As mentioned before, Dr. Strangelove would be a decent comparison. But I would think it is as strong as that or even any of the Monty Python features.
However, what a lot of people will agree on is that it is shot beautifully with a wonderful retro feel to it. It even has those old school interior shots of when a character is driving a car. Also, the production design and costumes look great, and the score is done well as it has just enough over-the-top moments to elevate those comedic moments.
There are two great performances from our leads, in the form of Luis Gnecco and Gael Garcia Bernal himself. Gnecco had a charming presence to him, and he is looks completely different then when I saw him in 'No'. Garcia Bernal shone brighter out of the two for me. The amount of over-seriousness he gave to his character fitted the tone perfectly. For me, he holds the film and kept my interest.
In the end, I liked enough of it. But these types of films never always work with me. I think not going into this film knowing the actual tone did not help. But even when I worked out how this story was being played out, it did not always hit the right spots.
This particular attempt I think might work the longer I think about it. It entertained me enough to give it a pass rating, and it also educated me on the history of the main character.
I liked it that it leaves it up to you to decided what the film is trying to be, rather than spoon-feeding you. Also, it's complexity evolves nicely and I liked the added psychological parts to the story. Films about obsession when done right, seem to work for me. The execution of that aspect was enough for me to make this intriguing viewing.
But sadly, the tone for me felt inconsistent. But I know some demographics will get a kick out of this. The film-makers look to be having fun and breaking down the traditional story structure and making this quite a surreal viewing experience.
I think if I gave this a repeat viewing, I might enjoy it more, as I now know what to expect.
Rating: 7/10
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