Coronación

José Donoso is a brooding and dark author. His novels all have an almost Gothic atmosphere. When I first heard of this film, I thought that it would be a difficult task indeed to properly convey these dark, decadent and special feelings. However Silvio Caiozzi's masterful adaptation give an almost perfect tribute to a wonderful book.

This is not only done by excellent direction, but also by wonderful and very even performances of all the cast.

Caiozzi has mantained the argument and spirit of this book written in the 50's, even though he's adapted it to an atmosphere of the 90's.

It's a film to be seen several times, because it's filled with minute details that are relevant to the story, as social criticism and also as to the atmosphere that is an intrinsic part of the film.

By some standards it might be considered a "slow" film, it is, however a great piece of film making.

Silvio Caiozzi has not directed many films (Julio Comienza en Julio, La Luna en El Espejo, Fernando ha Vuelto and now Coronación), but each of them are great examples of his intellect and craft.

It's quite unusual to find in small countries like Chile brilliant films like this one. As the story goes by we get involved with the decadence of the main characters, starting with the traumas and repressions of the leading man, Andres Avalos (wonderfully portrayed by Chilean actor Julio Jung). By the end of the movie we are totally into the feeling of "things that aren't worth fighting for" that flows throughout it.

The acting is absolutely remarkable, all of the main actors give the necessary depth, innocence, respect, frustration and a pretty wide range of emotions that are impressive.

Technically it's a very beautiful movie. Its cinematography is a faithful portrait of the decadence and solitude of the characters. It's adapted from a novel with a script that recreates the spirit of the book in every shot.

This is an unknown little piece of art, and I recommend it highly.

I absolutely loved this movie.

Satyajit Ray's Jalsaghar tackled a similar theme.

Jalsaghar (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051792/)

Also, could this Chilean version be a remake of a 1976 Mexican classic also called Coronacion?

Coronacion (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072823/)

The movie invokes the crumbling of colonial values and ethos so poignantly.

However, is the next generation (of the maid and her paramour) any better than the fading one of the landlord?

The acting is really deep and well performed.

Also cinematography and lighting for such themes which is always a challenge, are done very well.

The movie really makes you think of what will happen to any family at the top of the game, if a tradition is not put in place to preserve the values and vitality.