Retro Film Review: Private Lives (Vidas privadas, 2001)

Thanks to American cultural imperialism, Hollywood doesn't have to provide historical, geographic, or cultural background to plots set in specific times and places. Few American filmmakers need to explain who fought in the American Civil War or on the Normandy beaches. This is a luxury non-American filmmakers cannot afford, as exemplified by Private Lives, a 2001 Spanish-Argentine co-production written and directed by Fito Paez.

The protagonist of the film is Carmen Uranga (portrayed by Cecilia Roth), an Argentine woman who spent two decades in Madrid. Reluctantly returning to her native Buenos Aires to visit her ailing father and settle inheritance matters, Carmen also grapples with personal issues hindering normal sexual relations. Instead, she orchestrates encounters for couples while she listens. One of the hired performers is aspiring male model Gustavo "Gana" Bertollini (played by Gael Garcia Bernal). Following a "regular" session, Carmen engages him to read pornographic fiction, unaware that he will develop feelings for her, leading to the resurfacing of painful memories.

Private Lives features strong performances, particularly from Cecilia Roth, the esteemed Argentine actress and Paez's (then) wife in the lead role. Supported by a talented cast of Argentine actors and Mexican superstar Gael Garcia Bernal, the film benefits from their acting prowess. However, these performances cannot fully compensate for significant flaws in the script and direction. While the quirky introduction of characters stands out as the film's highlight, the second half disappoints with a plot twist more suited to a telenovela than a serious drama. Paez's direction falters at times, resulting in rushed and confusing scenes.

The most significant issue lies in viewers' struggle to grasp the film's essence due to their unfamiliarity with certain tragic chapters of Argentine history. These chapters are integral to the plot's resolution, and without this context, the film loses much of its impact. Argentine audiences may comprehend the movie's themes effortlessly, but others may find its cryptic nature challenging to decipher.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

(Note: Original version of the review is available here

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