Hombre mirando al sudeste

I think that the question, "Is he really from outer space?" is irrelevent to the movie--what matters is that the man, Renates, is completely foreign. It's not a feel-good movie, it's a thought-provoking movie, one that brings up the question, why is compassion so foriegn to us, and why do we fear the compassionate? Those with power (the doctors) are so afraid to lose that power that they force their subjects into a forgetful stupor and deny their humanity--just as the military under Videla and the junta tortured over 30,000 people only two decades ago. This film is a brilliant commentary on human nature and modern Argentine history.

I loved this film. Not just because I'm an (ex-)Argentine but because it just works. It is delightful, thought-provoking and bittersweet. The same themes we loved in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, the destruction of innocence, the quashing of independence/individuality and the gray, foggy area of mental illness-- are all present in this fine film. Alas, most American viewers will not be familiar with the fine cast but no matter. This is a film that should be watched and enjoyed. You don't have to stick into a Hollywood pigeonhole to appreciate the fine artwork. It will leave you with that same wistful feeling that have done so many other films touching on the institutionalizing of mental patients-- with the possible exception of Harvey.

Man Facing Southeast is a very good, deep, thought-provoking film. Beautiful, stark visuals, music, and good acting all work to create a very intense and utterly mesmerizing atmosphere. But don't bother renting it - as far as I know only the dubbed version is available on video. With dialogue that takes itself this seriously, it takes extreme skill to keep it from being merely pretentious and ridiculous - a skill which the dubbers completely lacked. Thus a great, serious film is turned into one of those completely unwatchable abominations where you don't know if you should laugh or cry.

I don't normally bother to write comments like this but I was shocked by the other reviewer's perspective. I think perhaps he likes things spoonfed to him. Regardless, this is a fairly obscure film. It's Argentinian. It's a so-called "art movie". It doesn't feature any well known actors. The plot and many of the scenes were reproduced in the recent Hollywood version. Several other scenes have been lifted wholesale and used in other Hollywood movies. That alone suggests that the movie has merit (particularly in terms of story and direction). Over and above that, the acting is very good, and the pace, while slow, builds inexorably. There is no succinct resolution to the plot. That is the point. You have to think for yourself and it is a deeply thought provoking story. I think the central theme is a meditation on thought defining reality and seems to reference the Buddhist belief that our lives are a creation of our minds. But like any good work of art there are many layers open to interpretation. There are no overt references but this being an Argentinian affair, the tone of the movie reminded me of Jorge Luis Borges and Adolfo Bioy Casares. It's philosophical, and quite surreal in places. Some of the scenes are straight out of a Goya painting, and some of the camera motions are so graceful- almost imperceptible sometimes- that I thought of Kubrick. There's an awful lot going for this film. I don't want to ruin the story for anyone but I do rate it very highly.

An outspoken, gifted stranger suddenly "appears" at an insane asylum, claiming to be from another planet. Each day he stands in the open yard facing southeast to receive telepathic messages from his home. His presence has a profound effect upon the psychologist who is treating him for his delusions. But is the patient REALLY delusional? Or could his extraordinary story be quite possibly true? That is the crux of "Man Facing Southeast", a remarkable apologue from Argentina concerning sanity and madness, Heaven and Hell, faith and incredulity, presented with unmitigated perspicacity and intelligence. The film never talks down to its audience, and its message is delivered with a clarity that is both subtle and stunning. Warm, touching, and inspirational, it is firmly entrenched in my personal Top Five "Favorite Films of All Time" list. Apparently first-time viewers should be certain to rent or purchase the subtitled version and NOT the English-dubbed version.