Páramo

Juan Rulfo (1917-1986) was a Mexican writer. His output is not large: it includes a collection of short stories El Llano en Llamas (The Burning Plain, 1953) and a novel, Pedro Páramo (1955). Páramo, the title of this movie, means "barren flatland". Pedro Páramo had a tepid reception initially, but after a few years became immensely popular and was translated into more than 30 languages. Rulfo's work was a key influence on later Latin American writers, among them Gabriel García Márquez, who characterized his discovery of Rulfo as a "life-changing experience".

This movie is loosely based on, or rather related to the novel. Jesús Cienfuegos, a graduate student in literature and philosophy is writing a dissertation on Rulfo. His advisor dislikes and disapproves Jesus' work and urges him to improve it by doing firsthand research in the novel's places, especially the town of Comala in the state of Colima. Jesús complies and drives to Comala, where he faces eerie, absurd, phantasmagoric experiences. Some have to do with Jesús' unresolved issues with his deceased father.

Good work by director Andrés Díaz although his script has flaws, among them some of Jesús' experiences in Comala are over the top and the ending is a little contrived. Cinematography by Aram Díaz in muted colors captures the feeling of the desolate landscape. Good acting all around. Movie deserves watching.

I had wanted to see this film for some time, in the mood for independent Mexican cinema. The film is ambiguous and dismal, yet, perfectly balanced with the touching story of a young man in a journey of self discovery, redemption and forgiveness.

One scene in particular near the end of the film, almost got me in tears.

I am still in debate with myself, with the film's ending. Perhaps I can't yet understand it, or maybe I hope my interpretation stands against the filmmaker's choice. For a reason!