Homem Olhando Para o Sudeste

This is the movie that brought recognition for the first time to Eliseo Subiela. Many times described as "ET" for adults, that cliche is both accurate and misleading. As I write this, a movie with an identical premise is being advertised in the States (K-PAX). I hope lawyers have a field day. The mysterious patient Ramses, who has suddenly appeared in this Argentinian clinic, is convinced to have come from another world. Capable of rational thought and of an apparent high IQ, a doctor begins a treatment to cure him from his dellusion. But does he need to be cured? Isn't the doctor more insane that his patient? Haven't we forgotten what it means to live and enjoy life? The movie moves slowly, but keeps itself interesting. The dialogue is sometimes too academical to be believable (even in Spanish), but its intentions are more powerful than the presentation. Except for Beethoven's Ode to Joy sequence, the movie is not very cinematic, but once again, it never feels to drag. The depiction of the asylum is also one of those you won't see in your typical Hollywood movie: as we see how the dead corpses of the inmates are carried over to be used for medical studies.

For those of you who have seen K-Pax, please watch this one. In 1986 Eliseo Subiela made this intriguing, intelligent film dealing with the human condition and its contradictions. It has long been known to spanish-speaking audiences, so it's a shame to see a pale copy like K-Pax being lauded (or at least being credited with the idea).

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.

One of my criteria for favorably rating a movie is that it does not attempt to answer every question it poses. This movie leaves the basic question of the mental patient's (Rantes) origin unexplained. The plot is a fine vehicle for examining society's definition of sanity. The performance of Hugo Soto as Rantes is exceptional. The other members of the cast play their roles with sensitivity. The film was shot on location at a mental institution and the inclusion of patients in the supporting cast lends an unmistakable authenticity to the production. Unfortunately the English language dub version is disjointed and this detracts somewhat from this otherwise remarkable movie.

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.