Cronos

Severely underrated on this website, Cronos is an engaging tale that captivates the viewer for the entirety of its duration. Guillermo Del Toro's first ever film is a thoughtful, heart-wrenching story which above all manages to be fresh, intriguing and unique while managing to captivate the feel of horror films in the same mould as The Shining, whereby it is a film about family first, and a horror film second.

Cronos is most definitely not associated with the slasher end of the horror market and nor is it anywhere near the filthy attack on the sense provided by goreography. What Cronos manages to achieve is an attack on the mind and the soul, the essence of what a horror film must succeed in doing if it wishes to leave a lasting impression. Given this I can, to an extent, see where the mediocre rating has derived from, it's not a blood fest it doesn't provide a scare a second and nor does it have gratuitous scenes of eyes being gauged out by rusty pick axes, but as every true horror fan knows is these are merely sideshow attractions to the superior horror films like The Shining, like The Fog, and Cronos if not completely at the top, is very close indeed.

There are three things which notably stand out about this film and make it undoubtedly worth watching. The most subtle is the commentary on US-Mexico relations that Guillermo Del Toro has littered throughout his film. It provides an interesting portrayal into how he, and undoubtedly many Mexicans, feel about their encounters with the US, that they are always trying to be dominated and they must stand up on their own, to strive to succeed. The most obvious is that of the highly notable Christian references and intentional name play. Our protagonist, the antique dealer, is named Jesus for simple reincarnate issues, but there a great deal of "my God", "my Lord" and more comments of that ilk in the film, there is undoubtedly a side plot on the directors behalf of pointing out the good that still emanates from our protagonist. Jesus' granddaughter and wife are named Aurora and Mercedes respectively, and by knowing the meanings of their names which are "the dawn or first light" and "mercy" provides the films finale with a sense of completion. Lastly of note is the acting on the part of Federico Lupi and Tamara Shanath, who provide the necessary gravitas even in motion if not through vocals to convey the deep emotional tie between grandfather and granddaughter which when all else is removed is the main driving force of this story, and the one that will have you coming back for more. It's innocence is soul-wrenching, yet Aurora's ability to see what is happening with unclouded eyes, provides the cornerstone for the emotional drama to take hold.

One critic in 'The Daily Telegraph' claimed this to be as "scary as hell", and to be honest he is wrong. This film isn't scary in the 'popping out from behind the bushes with a meat cleaver' manner, this film is an attack of that which makes us, and indeed Jesus, human. It is a cerebral assault which plucks at your heart strings and confuses the soul, and for it is severely likable and very watchable while occasionally disconcerning. Cronos is human drama at its most wonderful, emotional and chilling and more importantly a wonderful debut by a director who will build in stature and promise greater things, but this is a debut with bite to it, and once it grabs hold of you, it's very difficult to get it off.

In 1536, in Veracruz, Mexico, during the Inquisition, an alchemist builds a mysterious and sophisticated device named Cronos to provide eternal life to the owner. In the present days, the antiques dealer Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) finds Cronos hidden inside an ancient statue while cleaning it with his granddaughter Aurora (Tamara Shanath). He accidentally triggers the device and soon his wife Mercedes (Margarita Isabel) and he note that he has a younger appearance.

Out of the blue, the stranger Angel de la Guardia (Ron Perlman) visits Gris's shop and buys the old statue. On the next day, Gris finds his shop trashed and Angel's card on the floor. He pays a visit to Angel that introduces him to the eccentric millionaire De la Guardia (Claudio Brook) that explains the healing power and the eternal life given by Cronos. Angel is sent by De la Guardia to hunt down Gris to get Cronos no matter the costs.

"Cronos" is a horror movie by Guillermo del Toro with a gruesome, violent, weird and bizarre story. The lead character becomes a vampire after accidentally triggering an ancient device. The obsession of a dying man for the Cronos leaves a path of violence trying to hunt down the owner of the device. The great expectations for a movie by Guillermo del Toro and released by Criterion is a little disappointing, despite the originality, performances and cinematography. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Cronos"

Some of the most imaginative films originate in Mexico. This one is no exception. When Jesus Gris, an old antique dealer opens the base of an ancient statue, a golden object in the shape of a large beetle drops out. This mechanically activated object can clutch a human arm and inject a magical fluid which can prolong life. The early scenes, when the camera moves about the treasures in the antique shop, set the atmosphere and draw us into the story. Each piece seems to hold a special secret. When the mechanical beetle suddenly grabs at the old man's forearm, we can feel the excruciating pain as he screams out and we see the pointed legs piercing his skin. Then follows the injection by the scorpion-like tail. Terror reigns until he dislodges the device. (What a relief!). Now wait for the miracle to happen! Excellent make-up on the main character as this horror story unfolds makes it almost believable at times. The sincerity of the acting between the old man and little granddaughter who plays about the shop makes for a really warm and loving relationship. (Where do they find such wonderful child actors?). Evil is portrayed by the cruel Dieter de la Guardia and his henchmen who set out to steal this ancient invention of the alchemists. Much of the excitement of the film is provided by a chase through upper rooms and rooftops (real edge of the seat viewing!). One of the most unforgettable scenes is the close-up view of the whirring golden cogwheels inside the device. They make a cruelly fascinating and threatening sound as they wind up to do their mysterious work. Movie-goers who have a horror of hypodermic needles should perhaps give the film a miss but you brave ones will enjoy the age-old theme of searching for the secret to eternal life.

When antiques dealer Jesús finds the legendary Cronos device within a statue he accidentally uses it. It feeds on his life force in exchange for eternal life. However wealthy Dieter and his nephew Angel also want the device and are willing to do anything to get it.

This is certainly a different vision of the vampire story, it dispels with a lot of the gore, the castles, Igor etc, but keeps the sunlight, the through the heart death etc. The story moves very slowly and is focused on Jesús and the devices' effect on him. His accidental transformation causes concern within his granddaughter and he finds that eternity has a price. The scenes between Jesús and Aurora are touching and make a nice change from the blood letting scenes.

The action is never really forthcoming and it is a little stilted in a way. Pearlman's character is a good addition to the story, but it does move so slowly that it may be a disappointment to those expecting a horror film. Luppi is good as Jesús, haunted by a gift he never wanted, Tamara is also strong as his granddaughter.

Overall it's an interesting retelling of a famous story. The direction is faultless although the story occasionally feels aimless and drifting.

'Cronos' is a rarity: an original, intelligent, suprising, and genuinely creepy horror movie! A wonderful unpredictable script, inventive direction from Guillermo del Toro (an impressive debut!) and uniformly strong acting from all concerned, make this essential viewing for not only horror buffs, but lovers of fantastic cinema of all types.

'Cronos' is a treasure! I cannot recommend this movie highly enough!