Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on October 24, 2006 at 06:15:04

film? From 70s Spain comes "The Spirit of the Beehive" which made many Best lists for European films of that era.
Director Erice's masterstroke (one of but three films he has made) takes place in post-Civil War Spain.
A woman communicates with a mysterious correpsondent; her husband seemingly spends his days tending to his beehives, only occasionally interacting with her.
Their two children, who form the heart of the movie, are two delightful sisters. One day, the film "Frankenstein" comes to the small town and the older sister explains that the monster never really died but that his ghost still can be summoned.
From there, the adventures begin: to tell them would ruin the delight of discovery and would do little to explain the attraction of this film: as with many great films, it is not what happens but rather the interplay of music, cinematography, and skillful acting which creates the charm.
The actors all are superb and maintain and sustain the sense of mystery, perhaps the slenderest of tightropes to walk without "losing" the audience's interest.
See this film, especially if you liked "Forbidden Games."