The opening sequence of this Argentine film sets the tone for what will be the central idea behind this black comedy. Set in La Plata, in Buenos Aires province, the action takes place in the famous Casa Curuchet, which was designed by that master of architecture, Le Corbusier, his only work in South America. The house with its modern lines, is more of a museum than a place one can call home.
A somewhat prominent furniture designer, Leonardo, is presently living in Casa Curuchet. He has recently won great accolades for his unique design of a chair. He is sleeping when we first see him with his wife Anna. There is a noise that does not let him sleep peacefully. Going to inspect where it is coming from, he watches as a big hole is being made in the property across from his living area which is only separated by an inner courtyard. Leonardo is not too nice to this worker, who is just following orders.
One day, Leonardo, gets to meet his neighbor across the courtyard. He is Victor, a bear of a man, who explains to his neighbor all he wants is some sunshine in that part of his house which does not get any light. Leonardo is completely taken aback. In his line of work, he appears to be the one ordering everyone around. How dare this man invade his territory? Victor is an adversary that will keep working to get what he wants, in spite of what Leonardo tries to do to get him to abandon his folly. Leonardo's home life, like the sterile interiors of his home, is not exactly a happy environment. He belongs to a sophisticated class of overachiever that looks down on people that are of different social classes, something that Victor represents. The conflict between the two men will go to ridiculous extremes with an unexpected finale in which Leonardo will show his true colors in a turn of events that shows well what this designer is really like.
The film was directed by Gaston Duprat and Mariano Cohn. The film's main theme is prejudice as shown by a selfish Leonardo, who cannot tolerate things to get out of his control. Victor, of a different social status, shows he can deal with things in a different manner, that of the streets, more than of intelligence. It is basically a feature to showcase the talents of the two principals who give all they have to make this one of the most original films from Argentina, in recent memory. The film serves as a social commentary about class and power in the country.
Rafael Spregelburg makes a formidable Leonardo. He is the selfish man that wants things his way and in his own terms. What he considers his privilege, is suddenly challenged by his would be neighbor in a conflict Leonardo thinks he shall prevail because of his position and standing. Daniel Araoz matches his co-star in amazing ways. He is a more sympathetic individual with different aesthetics, a simpler man without the hangups of his neighbor. Both actors are terrific.
The directors did their own cinematography which highlights the famous home in La Plata in all its functionality and starkness. The music is credited to Sergio Pangaro. The screenplay is by Andres Duprat. This is an inspired work that shows the talent of two men in great form.
A somewhat prominent furniture designer, Leonardo, is presently living in Casa Curuchet. He has recently won great accolades for his unique design of a chair. He is sleeping when we first see him with his wife Anna. There is a noise that does not let him sleep peacefully. Going to inspect where it is coming from, he watches as a big hole is being made in the property across from his living area which is only separated by an inner courtyard. Leonardo is not too nice to this worker, who is just following orders.
One day, Leonardo, gets to meet his neighbor across the courtyard. He is Victor, a bear of a man, who explains to his neighbor all he wants is some sunshine in that part of his house which does not get any light. Leonardo is completely taken aback. In his line of work, he appears to be the one ordering everyone around. How dare this man invade his territory? Victor is an adversary that will keep working to get what he wants, in spite of what Leonardo tries to do to get him to abandon his folly. Leonardo's home life, like the sterile interiors of his home, is not exactly a happy environment. He belongs to a sophisticated class of overachiever that looks down on people that are of different social classes, something that Victor represents. The conflict between the two men will go to ridiculous extremes with an unexpected finale in which Leonardo will show his true colors in a turn of events that shows well what this designer is really like.
The film was directed by Gaston Duprat and Mariano Cohn. The film's main theme is prejudice as shown by a selfish Leonardo, who cannot tolerate things to get out of his control. Victor, of a different social status, shows he can deal with things in a different manner, that of the streets, more than of intelligence. It is basically a feature to showcase the talents of the two principals who give all they have to make this one of the most original films from Argentina, in recent memory. The film serves as a social commentary about class and power in the country.
Rafael Spregelburg makes a formidable Leonardo. He is the selfish man that wants things his way and in his own terms. What he considers his privilege, is suddenly challenged by his would be neighbor in a conflict Leonardo thinks he shall prevail because of his position and standing. Daniel Araoz matches his co-star in amazing ways. He is a more sympathetic individual with different aesthetics, a simpler man without the hangups of his neighbor. Both actors are terrific.
The directors did their own cinematography which highlights the famous home in La Plata in all its functionality and starkness. The music is credited to Sergio Pangaro. The screenplay is by Andres Duprat. This is an inspired work that shows the talent of two men in great form.