The Spanish Film Festival is returning to Canberra from Tuesday 19 April through to Sunday 8 May at Palace Electric – complete with a two-week long fiesta and a different film each night. With a mix of wine and tapas available before each showing, it’s a popular destination for cultural Canberra folk and those looking to see a foreign film or two.
Showing at Palace Electric on Wednesday 20 April isTruman. A remarkable tale between two middle aged friends, played by Spanish stars Ricardo Darin and Javier Cámara. When Tomas (Cámara) finds out that Julian (Darin) has cancer and is refusing further treatment, he flies from Canada to Madrid to spend a weekend with his old friend. On Tomas’ arrival, it’s as if no time has passed since he last saw Julian, and it is clear the two share a special bond.
Much of the film’s comic relief is created through Julian’s total obsession with his dog ‘Truman’. He freely admits that he considers his dog a child, as much as he considers his actual son. During Tomas’ four day stay in Madrid, Julian attempts to find Truman a new home for when he passes away. Whilst this is the subplot of the film, it’s a perfect title, as the dog represents both the amusing and heartbreaking nature of Julian.
Tomas’ situation is similarly difficult. The film raises unanswerable questions about how to deal with looming death. Is fighting for a bit of extra time worth it, or is being in control of your mortality to your last days a better way to go? Tomas comforts and supports Julian through these recurring questions, however he doesn’t want Julian to merely give up.
It’s both tear-jerking and relatable to watch the two seemingly accept Julian’s fate. Yet, the complex nature of death and how to handle it is obvious in how the friends both cling to that which represents life, as the sense of helplessness and impending loss sets in. It’s a testament to the acting and screenwriting Truman manages to do this while maintaining humour, and avoiding an all-outsobfest.
Put simply, Truman is the best film I’ve seen in years. The credit goes to director Cesc Gay along with the actors who create a poignant insight into how different people deal with death, with a mix of hilarity and bittersweet hopelessness.
Truman begins with one line of English: “I’m leaving”. And you do leave. You delve straight into the heart of Spain and become fixed within their culture for the remaining 108 minutes.
Upon seeing this film, I immediately set aside a couple nights to go back and dive back in to the festival. Palace Electric presents a variety of comedy, drama, adventure, romance, thriller, and sports documentary films. If you just want a quick taste before committing, a selection of short films are also on offer.
If what is in store is even close to the caliber of Truman, then: Muy Bien! Me gusto mucho!
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The Spanish Film Festival will be showing at Palace Electric Cinema Canberra from Tuesday 19 April to Sunday 8 May.
