FeatureFilm

El violin

• Rated: R16
• Running Length:1hr 35mins

Session Times

Summary
This is an accomplished first feature from writer-director Francisco Vargas. Shot in grainy black and white, it has the feel of an old film, perhaps Soviet propaganda. But it is very much grounded in Mexican history and politics.

Plutarco is a musician who, with his son and young grandson, play for pennies in a small town near their mountain village. Genaro, the son, is a revolutionary and his guitar playing is merely a cover for his real reason for being in town – arms purchasing.

While they are in town though, the village is invaded by military and the people forced out to hide in the relative safety of the forest. Genaro manages to reach the guerilla camp where he settles in. Plutarco though, has other ideas. With his grandson in tow, he visits the local landowner and exchanges his harvest for a mule, which he uses to return to the now-occupied town.

Genaro’s illegal weapons are buried in Plutarco’s corn fields, and the old man must find a way to retrieve them. The commanding officer appears to have an affinity for music and Plutarco indulges him by playing his violin. Awed by the old man’s skill, the commanding officer admits to wanting to be a musician himself. Plutarco offers to teach him and uses his desire to manipulate him.

Tavira is a miracle here, and deservedly won an acting award at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. His aged face says everything when it needs to and nothing at others. Watching him at work is worth the price of admission, but added to this is the gorgeous cinematography and an important story.