In the film, director Torres is already dead, and his (fictional) daughter, in the process of assimilating his original film negatives, becomes intrigued by his work and wants to know more about her father. She meets some of his erstwhile friends and colleagues and pieces together a side of her father she was not aware of. In the process, she begins to question her own life choices and human relationships, notably her boyfriend Fabrizio, and a new female friend she meets at the film institute while exploring some her dad's films.
Catalan cinema is no stranger to wacky ideas, and this film certainly lives up to its fore-bearers. The film is part fiction and part documentary, and I'm not sure how much of what his friends and actresses say about Torres is spontaneous and how much his own reflections, but it is an interesting exercise nevertheless. But what we also get to see is an intimate portrait of his fictional daughter, played by 'belleza natural' Karme Málaga - you watch her from so close that you could almost smell her - full of youth and sensuality, she transfixes you throughout the film. While the film may have its interesting ideas and technical merits, notably the excellent cinematography and a soundtrack pulsating with African rhythms, Karme Málaga is reason enough to own this DVD. Needless to say, Recommended Viewing..!
Until this film, I hadn't seen any of Torres' work save a segment in the 1980 film, "Cuentos Eróticos". Just as well, the DVD comes with a couple of Torres' short films, which is actually very helpful in following the main film, and also understanding the reasons behind the rather voyeuristic portrayal of his 'daughter' in the main film. But beware the DVD doesn't include subtitles and as far as I know, this is the only edition released.
DVD Order Link
Compilation: Karme Málaga - "Missing Dad"
This is a reappraisal of a film I reviewed over two years ago, but the compilations have been re-cut for the blog from my original DVD.
Scene Guide:
- We're introduced to a weeping daughter by the window, right at the film's beginning. We must be grateful beautiful Karme Málaga isn't a shy creature.
- Ablutions, contemplations, and a happy reunion with a childhood friend, rescued from her dad's paraphernalia.
- Trying on a dress her dad bought her mum years ago - very fetching.
- Drunk boyfriend Fabrizio teases her for not wearing knickers at home - and she's not the least pleased by his remark.
- She nevertheless makes up with Fabrizio the following morning in the bathroom.
- Angry at her shirt being ripped off - she admonishes Fabrizio during a lovemaking session.
- Patching things up later in the bath...
- Poor Fabrizio is at the receiving end again.
Compilation: Karme Málaga and Ariadna Cabrol - "Exploring a new Friendship"
Scene Guide:
- The first third of the compilation has no nudity but is an interesting sapphic courting ritual worth watching. Ariadna Cabrol, a student at the film institute, shows interest in Karme Málaga who's come there to check out some of her dad's old films. Karme responds..!
- Karme gets invited to Ariadna's room, and things take their course in this erotic lesbian scene. It is actually beautiful to watch two people showing genuine affection for one another. Let's hope Catalan cutie Ariadna isn't one of those starving themselves to stay in shape - a bit more flesh on the bone wouldn't do any harm, quite contrary.
- When Fabrizio pleads Karme to accompany him to Italy, she's not sure if she could continue with Ariadna any longer.
- A couple of brief scenes of Marisa Lull - who starred as a child in torres' early experimental films (she plays herself). Karme decides to learn more about her.
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