El Conde

Brent Marchant 11/17/2023 6:41:45 PM 8.4

Fusing cinematic genres can be tricky, especially if the mix doesn’t mesh. But the latest from writer-director Pablo Larraín successfully pulls off a brilliantly original blend and does so just about perfectly. This metaphorical account of the life of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet (1915-2006) (Jaime Vadell) portrays the onetime-strongman as a vampire a la Dracula (hence the title and the character’s nickname, “the Count”), shot in the style of F.W. Murnau’s black-and-white silent film classic, “Nosferatu” (1922). The story charts the immortal’s life from his birth as orphaned royalist Claude Pinoche in late 18th Century France through the many military campaigns in which he fought to put down radical rebellions before finally rising to power as the right-wing dictator of Chile through the 1973 coup d’état of left-wing President Salvador Allende. But much of the narrative actually follows Pinochet in the years after he was himself out of office, living a life in seclusion after faking his death. It’s a time when he is being stalked by various parties seeking to get their hands on his illegally amassed fortune, including his wife (Gloria Münchmeyer), his longtime butler (Alfredo Castro), a nun/exorcist posing as an accountant auditing his assets (Paula Luchsinger) and his five adult children. And, ironically, as all of this is transpiring, Pinochet himself is in the throes of ennui, trying to make up his mind about whether or not he wants to go on living. Many story threads emerge and become intertwined, satirically invoking wry observations about despotism, greed, power, lust, immortality and religion. On top of all this, there’s an articulate, faceless narrator with a pronounced British accent who tells the tale and makes an unexpected appearance late in the film, taking things in an entirely new direction with deliciously twisted plot developments. Add to all this the film’s stunningly gorgeous monochrome cinematography, superb production design, fine performances and positively sparkling screenplay, along with just enough restrained campiness in the dialogue and special effects to make viewers giggle with delight without becoming silly, and you’ve got one finely crafted production, perfectly integrated and nicely balanced. Admittedly, the pacing drags a smidge late in the second act, but that’s easily dismissed considering how well everything else works together. Also, the film is quite graphic in a number of sequences, so squeamish and sensitive viewers would be wise to avoid this one. But, if you’re not faint of heart and have an appetite for the macabre, give this Netflix exclusive a look. Director Pablo Larraín’s pictures keep getting better and better with every outing, and this is the latest in a string of releases that have firmly established him as one of the finest auteurs in the business these days. Tune in and see for yourself.

MovieGuys 9/19/2023 8:07:36 PM 8.4

Are politicians fundamentally just vampires, in disguise? El Conde crafts a clever tale that weaves the life of the vampire, with that of the politician. It draws on two, well known, right wing, political figures, from Chilean and UK politics. The notorious Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet and the iron lady of UK politics, Margaret Thatcher. This is a surreal, highly watchable experience, that's at times brutal, and visually, compellingly beautiful. Its not perfect. Its starts and ends convincingly, cleverly drawing together the threads of the story. What happens in between, can come across, as a little too diffuse and disordered, at times, to really represent anything contextually cohesive. In summary, this is a highly original, stimulating piece of film noir, that stays with you, long after the closing credits. Its ambition can and does outshine it achievements. That said, what it does achieve, is well worth your time.

Manuel São Bento 9/1/2023 2:48:18 PM 8.4

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://fandomwire.com/el-conde-venice-film-festival-review-a-vampirically-efficient-satire/ "El Conde delivers an effective, brutally gory sociopolitical satire packed with sarcastic commentary, offering an amusing narrative that compares the eternity of vampires with the impunity of the Chilean dictator's crimes. Technically wonderful, employing a stunning black-and-white canvas that will leave any cinephile delighted, as well as excellent contributions from cinematography, score, and editing for a captivating immersive experience. Underdeveloped characters and repetitive messages remove some of the biggest impact the film could have had." Rating: B+