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EL VERSO A veces uno se encuentra con una película "pequeña", sin mucha pompa ni controversia , que carece de héroes y villanos, y que inclusive no es "cinemática", pero que tiene una humanidad, unas caracterizaciones, una observación del mundo olvidado, que la hace más memorable que las "grandes" películas con pretenciones. El verso es uno de estos casos. Una comedia dramática, que va del humor a las lágrimas, que es manejada con una narrativa simple, casi Chaplinesca como lo exige su historia y personajes. Juan (Luis Brandoni) vive del "verso", es decir, vive del cuento, de su don de la palabra, de vender gato por liebre, afiladores de cuchillos en los autobuses. No es digno de admiración ni de lástima. Es un ser a quien la vida le ha jugado un mal pase. Sus aspiraciones de clase media se desmorronaron con el desempleo, y de vivir vendiendo café ambulante, se ha dedicado a vivir del "distinguido" arte del verso. Juan pretende engañar a todo el mundo, a sus desinteresados "clientes", a su mujer Rosa (Virginia Lago), a su amante (Andrea Tenuta), inclusive hasta al usurero "rumano" que se niega a darle más mercancía (Marcos Zucker), pero en realidad Juan no engaña a nadie. Esta institución argentina es un castillo de naipes que se desploma solo, y Juan, con su sueño de ser locutor ("imaginate, te pagan sólo por hablar"), tiene que enfrentarse a la realidad. Este segundo largometraje de Santiago Carlos Oves (co-guionista de Sol de otoño), es simple en su narrativa, pero delicioso en sus personajes y sus diálogos. Su ritmo contemplativo se enriquece al ver un maravilloso conjunto de actores genial-mente encabezado por Brandoni, "versear" su humor en una Argentina de marginados. |
HUSTLING Sometimes one runs across a "small" movie, without much pomp or controversy, without heroes or villains, and which is not even that "cinematic," but has such humanity, characterizations, and commentary on a forgotten world, that it becomes more memorable than those "big" pretentious productions. The Hustle (El verso) is one of those movies. A dramatic comedy which goes from laughs to tears, with a very simple, almost Chaplinesque narrative, as its story and characters require. Juan (Luis Brandoni) lives off the "hustle," that is, telling stories, his gift of gab, selling apples for oranges, knife sharpeners to bus riders. He is not worthy of admiration or pity. He is a human being whose life took a bad turn. His middle-class aspirations crushed by unemployment, he makes a living selling coffee in the streets. He has learned to live from the distinguished art of "hustling." Juan makes believe that he deceives everyone -- his "clients," his wife Rosa (Virginia Lago), his lover Myriam (Andrea Tenuta), even the "Rumanian" (Marco Zucker) who refuses to extend him any more credit, but in reality Juan deceives no one. This Argentinean institution is a house of cards which crumbles on its own, and Juan, with his dream of becoming a radio commentator ("imagine, they pay you just for talking!"), must face reality. This second feature by Santiago Carlos Oves (co-screenwriter of Autumn Sun), is simple in its narrative, but delectable in its characters and dialogue. Its contemplative rhythm is enriched by watching this brilliant group of actors headed by Brandoni, "hustle" their humor in an Argentina full of have-nots. |
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Santiago Carlos Oves Se ha destacado en la industria cinematográfica como guionista de diversos filmes, entre ellos Evita, quien quiera oír que oiga de Eduardo Mignogna y En retirada de Juan Carlos Desanzo, y como asistente de dirección. Su primer largometraje fue el policial Revancha de un amigo (87). Este es su segundo trabajo como realizador. |
Santiago Carlos Oves He has distinguished himself in the film industry as screenwriter of many films, among them Evita, whoever wishes to listen, hear by Eduardo Mignogna and In Retreat by Juan Carlos Desanzo, and as assistant director. His first feature was the thriller Revancha de un amigo (87). This is his second feature film. |
Director: Santiago Carlos Oves |