La conjura de El Escorial

I usually wait some time after a movie is released to watch it. I prefer to avoid the crowds and rely on some friend's advice. Still, I am not always consistent with this and, sometimes, movies like this one painfully bring me back to the right path.

"La conjura de El Escorial" could have been excellent. Excellent as most of its actors (a very experienced, international cast) or its historical recreation (location spots, costumes…). And yet… A good movie needs a good script. When the script is bad, and this one is awful (or, to say the least, very uneven), all hope is lost. The narrative is hesitant; there are several unneeded, distracting (and even positively disgusting) scenes; the entire love-story subplot (of course there is one!) is hard to believe, simplistic and boring… The movie's changing pace is made worse by the editing: for instance, a fadeout between two scenes with some 20 seconds between them and involving the same characters. I also suspect the poor editing is to blame for not understanding how and why a number of scenes take place, the character's reasons for a change of mind, and son on. Quite true, some takes are brilliantly shot; but others are simply laughable (NOT funny). Take the fights for instance. I was wondering why they forgot to play the theme tune of Benny hill's show. Bud Spencer or Terrence Hill could have signed it- but we're talking of a 16th century sword fight… Poor action scenes, bad editing, mostly static dialogs: technically speaking, this is more of a play than a movie.

All things considered, I believe Antonio del Real (director and scriptwriter here) is much to blame for this waste of my time and money. The movie is worth watching, perhaps, if you like costumes or have a historical interest in 16th century life in Spain. Also, it is probably one of the best renditions of Phillip 2nd of Spain (a very interesting king), much unlike most productions. But if you like movies, please, forget this one.

This costumer movie is partially based on historical events . It's developed in the court of Felipe II (Juanjo Puigcorbe) , the Prudent King . The situation of Low Countries ruled under Juan of Austria , his illegitimate brother is extremely dangerous . The protestant rebellion and the harassing by William of Orange make Flandes an uncomfortable place . Duke of Alba (Fabio Testi) regaining the king favour attempts to force measures over the rebels . Meanwhile , Ana of Mendoza (Julia Ormond) married one of Philip's minister , bore sons , and soon became a widow Duchess of Pastrana and princess of Eboli . She wears a patch over her right eye and is an ambitious woman with selfish aims . Antonio Perez (Jason Isaacs) is the first secretary to the Crown . Ana of Mendoza and Antonio soon become lovers and create a scandal in court , always the scenario of perpetual intrigue . Escobedo , John of Austria's personal secretary (Joaquim De Almeida) is sent to ask for liberation of Mary of Scotland and help to stifle revolts . He comes from Flandes to Madrid, but he aware passionate romance between Antonio Perez and Ana Mendoza . Then , a deadly conflict takes place ..

This is a lavish but slowly-paced costumer that has Julia Ormond wearing a black eye-patch as the one-eyed Ana of Mendoza whose gorgeous beauty is difficult to resist . Ormond is marvelously photographed throughout but the role , as written , and she gives her little opportunity to really shine , though being wasted . Jason Isaacs gives a convincing character as astute and mean Antonio of Mendoza . Jordi Molla plays with enormous distinction as Mateo Vazquez , the incorruptible priest . Personality and charisma of Juanjo Puigcorbe's portrayal as one of the most remarkable European kings that ever reigned . The rest of the supporting cast is average , as Blanca Jara as Morisca Desirea and Jurgen Prochnow as Espinosa , but neither the love story , nor the characters have much interest with the result which this duo doesn't work either as romantic couple . Extraordinary costume design by Javier Artiñano , accompanied by colorful , though some misty , cinematography by Carlos Suarez . Luxurious sets make excellent use of real locations in Spain and has a look of a great production . The motion picture was professionally directed by Antonio Del Real .

In 1955 was filmed by Terence Young an inferior version about these historic deeds titled 'That lady' starred by Olivia De Havilland in the role of Julia Ormond ; Gilbert Roland , role of Jason Isaacs ; Dennis Price, similarly to Jordi Molla character and Paul Scofield , role of Juanjo Puigcorbe , among others. And recently a TV series starred by Belen Rueda as Princesa de Éboli , Hugo Silva as Antonio Pérez and Eduard Fernández as Felipe II .

Thin story. Great opportunities. And a tired tale. The dialogs are just signs for atmosphere. The acting is collection of different pieces. The action - crumbs from The three musketeers. Julia Ormond as new Milady, Juanjo Puigcorbe in the clothes of ambiguous puzzle and river of soulless words. A script with so many nuances in the boring swamp. Only virtue - first step to discover a Spanish history page. But may it enough ? Sure, the props, the costumes are beautiful illustration of Golden Age but facts and intrigues are suffocated in velvet coffins. May be a moral lesson ? I don't know. Is love story a good part ? Only as slice of old bread. A common movie about an exciting events ball. And the dreams about its possibilities.

This is a historical case shrouded in mystery, which history never managed to solve. And as the film warns in the opening credits, it is a fictional film based on real events and these real events are treated quite accurately, explaining the more accepted version of the murder of don Juan de Escobedo, secretary of don Juan de Austria, half brother of King Felipe II of Spain. Sprinkled with fiction such as the beautiful love story of the Moorish girl executed for having tried to poison Don Juan de Escobedo (a fact that was true, the film simply creates a background story for the girl). Excellent film that, those who have read about this topic, will greatly enjoy.

Great actors. Great costumes. Boring script. Boring acting. Boring directing. I saw until finish just because I love History of Spain.

It could have been a great movie on the right hands.