The Heiresses (12A.)
Directed by Marcelo Martinessi.
Starring Ana Brun, Margarita Irun, Ana Ivanova, Nilda Gonzalez, María Martins, Alicia Guerra. In Spanish with subtitles. 98 mins
Paraguayan writer/ director Martinessi is someone who can find a shadow on the brightest of days. His vision is gloomy and enclosed. Telling the story of two high born ladies, Chela (Brun) and Chiquita (Irun), who have fallen on hard times and are having to sell all their possessions, he makes sure we never have a full view of what is going on. In the opening shot, Chela is peeking out through a cupboard door, eavesdropping on a woman who is looking over her cutlery. Using tight angles and tight focus there isn't a shot in the film where you aren't trying to see a little bit more.
It's an effective style for presenting a world that, though pampered, is marginalised. Chela and Chiquita exist in an almost hidden world seemingly populated only by rich women. The narrative gives viewers only a few straws to clutch at. Chiquita is being pursued for her debts and then we are told she is being sent to prison. It's an impressive and distinctive debut for Martinessi, but by the end you may find yourself keen to get out of the murk.
Directed by Marcelo Martinessi.
Starring Ana Brun, Margarita Irun, Ana Ivanova, Nilda Gonzalez, María Martins, Alicia Guerra. In Spanish with subtitles. 98 mins
Paraguayan writer/ director Martinessi is someone who can find a shadow on the brightest of days. His vision is gloomy and enclosed. Telling the story of two high born ladies, Chela (Brun) and Chiquita (Irun), who have fallen on hard times and are having to sell all their possessions, he makes sure we never have a full view of what is going on. In the opening shot, Chela is peeking out through a cupboard door, eavesdropping on a woman who is looking over her cutlery. Using tight angles and tight focus there isn't a shot in the film where you aren't trying to see a little bit more.
It's an effective style for presenting a world that, though pampered, is marginalised. Chela and Chiquita exist in an almost hidden world seemingly populated only by rich women. The narrative gives viewers only a few straws to clutch at. Chiquita is being pursued for her debts and then we are told she is being sent to prison. It's an impressive and distinctive debut for Martinessi, but by the end you may find yourself keen to get out of the murk.
