This is the first of Sr. Cuerda's films that I have seen, and I am eager for more. The larger setting of this film is rural Spain during the Spanish Civil War, with all the rich opportunities for betrayal and paranoia it provided. Spain has still not fully recovered from this terrible conflict. The story line is about a young boy, frail and fearful, who develops confidence and strength from his friendship with his teacher, played by the renowned Fernando Fernan Gomez. Sr. Gomez' performance is a marvel of clarity, simplicity and honesty. This could be a very stereotypical role, as it usually is in Hollywood products which settle for sentimentality at the expense of honesty. Sr. Gomez brings such substance to the part, he doesn't seem to be doing anything. He brings a thousand subtle details to bear, yet the overriding impression is that his kindness is unfeigned, and that he is a true teacher, having given his life to his young charges. The relationship between Moncho and Don Gregorio is the backbone of this film. Manuel Lozano is perfect as Moncho, a timid, sickly youth. All the supporting roles are developed fully. Moncho's big brother especially is played beautifully, as a young teen who finds his musical gift, his true love, and his first real heartbreak at the same time. The social conditions of that period are presented believably, especially the poverty of the everyday people. The quality of village life is not sentimentalized, but even in the midst of the strife, there is a social cohesion that many in the U.S. can only vaguely remember. During Moncho's first week at school, the local "jefe" attempts to bully Don Gregorio to give his son better grades by bribing him with a turkey, flopping it onto his desk in full view of his students. It's a beautifully funny moment, and it sets up Don Gregorios betrayal later in the film. The betrayal of Don Gregorio to the Fascisti was a life shattering event for young Moncho, as well as for the entire village. By denouncing Don Gregorio,the local gangster has ripped the heart out of the village. War is always promoted and presented by lies. There has never been a "just" war of any sustained length. Moncho's big brother is also played beautifully, as a young teen who finds his musical gift and his true love at the same time. The only real flaw with this little gem is that the larger story, the impact of the civil war, is neglected. Sr. Cuerda was fairly bold in his handling of this material, but the film fell somewhat flat. The film, "Gangs of New York", by Martin Scorcese, had the same flaw, and as a result fell a little flat at the end. As an audience, we want to feel the reality that the larger events in our world impinge upon our lives. Fate stalks us, for good or bad, through the events of our world. We cannot escape it. We can only define ourselves by responding to life as it presents itself to us, and makes its demands upon us. This tension is what provides the dramatic backbone to the story. This was not brought forth in the film. Perhaps the films financial backers intervened during the editing stage. The camera work is superb. A beautiful film, with powerful and affecting performances.
Review of Butterfly
