Noche en la terraza

This film offers a particularly different take on cheating (on ones partner), and on an unlikely setting - going from roof to roof, or terrace to terrace.

The three main characters discover that they have all constructed their lives using the wrong approach, having done so either based on fantasies or dictates. Not one of them is actually fulfilling his or her own desires or needs.

To illustrate, Paula, the central figure of the triangle, is driven by the sudden appearance of a man who connects with her unlike anyone else. She discovers eroticism. This theme, present in different forms throughout the film, is alternately shown negatively and positively. Negatively, as a menace and source of tensions. Positively, eroticism - body contact- is shown as an important means in achieving true communication.

Besides being heavily dramatic, the film is rather claustrophobic, and suggests that its roots come from a staged play. Shown at the Miami Hispanic Film Festival in May 2001 in projected video format, this film is now being released in South America as a new (2002) film.

It may appear soon in selected festivals worldwide. For that reason, I thought it may help potential viewers make up their minds whether or not to see it. I was not disappointed. You may not be either.

Argentinian film making keeps growing. Consider Americans buying the script and rights of Argentina's "The Nine Queens", a very clever thriller about street thieves and eventual swindlers. The two main actors are Ricardo Darin (who also performed in the Oscar-nominated "The Bride's Son")and Gaston Pauls. In this film, actors and actress are probably unknown. The set is theatrical, everything happens within the limits of an apartment with a terrace, connected to a studio by a window facing the terrace floor and the roofs of the surrounding houses. I saw it on cable TV, introduced by a well known and respected Arg. movie critic. Once the film was over, the Director, Jorge Zima, was interviewed live by the critic. The acting is wonderful, the story and script (by the Director) are very good, and the proposal is somewhat a different view on infidelity, i.e. the actual "feelings" at skin level of the one performing adultery. The story is believable. I recommend this film.