2010 Best foreign film Oscar winner – Argentina

May 6, 2010 05:30:08

Posted By Tanya

We went to see the 2010 Best foreign film Oscar winner (from Argentina) “El secreto de sus ojos” – “The secret in their eyes” It was directed by Juan José Campanella, who is a veteran of TV shows such as “House” and “Law & Order: SVU". The two leading actors were Ricardo Darin, who I find to be an awesome and funny actor, and Soledad Villamil who was just amazing during the whole film.

El secreto de sus ojos

I know very little about cinematography, but I know what I like when I see it, and this movie drew me in right from the start. In a nutshell it’s a cold case murder mystery sprinkled with a bit of subtle romance; it's also riveting thriller spiked with witty dialogue. AND it has a bit of evil politics of the mid-1970s Argentina thrown in for good measure. It revisits a rape-murder the main character investigated 25 years before that wasn't exactly unsolved, but wasn't really solved either (remember the country was descending into a military dictatorship at this time), and it’s all done as the movie moves back and forth in time.

There is an amazing aerial shot where the suspect is identified in a crowded soccer stadium – just THIS is worth the price of admission - it is incredible! A camera swoops in from high above and descends seamlessly down into the stadium capturing the energy of the fans, the crowds and the nervousness of the chase – it must have been a good 3 or 4 minutes of ONE TAKE, you are breathless as you watch – it was outstanding!

The other two things I really enjoyed were the bits of typical Argentine humor throughout and of course, the EYES, the looks, gazes - all that you see, interpret and read the IN the eyes of the two main characters.

Ricardo Darin was also in the “Son of the Bride” again, directed by Campanella.

I hope you go see it while it's still in the theaters and tell me what you think!