This is a great film!! Released in 1974 in Mexico, it stars Mexico's then finest actors in a cynical, modern drama. I'm a bilingual Spanish-American and therefore will review this film other bilinguals like me who are interested in viewing the movie. Director Francisco De Villar cast sexy men and women, put them together in a big home, and jealousies, passions and intensity breaks out. The film is a social comment on the boredom of the bourgeoisie, the upper classes and its corrupt nature. The Cry of the Turtle is a poetic title referring to the loss of innocence. The characters in this film have definitely lost their innocence. Villar was one of the few good directors who made films that were not just audience pleasers. His films made you think.
In Mexican cinema, extreme violence is popular, though I don't understand why. This film is very tame, and the violence it does portray is very inner and reflective of the conflict of the characters. One couple (Hugo Stiglitz and the actress playing his girlfriend) are actually brother and sister proudly engaging in incest. This alone is a comment on how low and corrupt these folks have become. Gregorio Casals, who would become a popular figure in Mexican cinema in future years, plays the hunky butler who looks like he belongs on the cover of Playgirl. He ends up getting murdered, after much suspense and mystery. The look of the film gives away the milieu of the 70's. Mexico, actually, emulated American fashion. The mood of the film is very liberal and cynical. Sexuality, biting remarks, cold cynicism and "idle hands doing the Devils work" is the real theme of the story. Also, it's like a Spanish version of a modern "Dangerous Liasions".
Jorge Rivero shines in this film in one of his greater roles. He has done much fine dramatic work over the years, though he's likely retired now. His last film was "The Pearl" based on the John Steinbeck movie. He has played passionate priests, sexy romantic leads, boxers, wrestlers, John Wayne cowboy types, and many films from a time that was the new face of cinema in Mexico of the 60's and 70's. He was tan, powerfully built and charming. He plays a cynical man here, by far the most haughty, a spoiled playboy. This movie is highly recommended. Even if you don't understand Spanish, view this with a friend that does and let him or her explain it to you. There are truly poetic and tragic moments in these kinds of film. Look for other Jorge Rivero films which I will be sure to review.
In Mexican cinema, extreme violence is popular, though I don't understand why. This film is very tame, and the violence it does portray is very inner and reflective of the conflict of the characters. One couple (Hugo Stiglitz and the actress playing his girlfriend) are actually brother and sister proudly engaging in incest. This alone is a comment on how low and corrupt these folks have become. Gregorio Casals, who would become a popular figure in Mexican cinema in future years, plays the hunky butler who looks like he belongs on the cover of Playgirl. He ends up getting murdered, after much suspense and mystery. The look of the film gives away the milieu of the 70's. Mexico, actually, emulated American fashion. The mood of the film is very liberal and cynical. Sexuality, biting remarks, cold cynicism and "idle hands doing the Devils work" is the real theme of the story. Also, it's like a Spanish version of a modern "Dangerous Liasions".
Jorge Rivero shines in this film in one of his greater roles. He has done much fine dramatic work over the years, though he's likely retired now. His last film was "The Pearl" based on the John Steinbeck movie. He has played passionate priests, sexy romantic leads, boxers, wrestlers, John Wayne cowboy types, and many films from a time that was the new face of cinema in Mexico of the 60's and 70's. He was tan, powerfully built and charming. He plays a cynical man here, by far the most haughty, a spoiled playboy. This movie is highly recommended. Even if you don't understand Spanish, view this with a friend that does and let him or her explain it to you. There are truly poetic and tragic moments in these kinds of film. Look for other Jorge Rivero films which I will be sure to review.
