En tu ausencia

In Your Absence is a wonderful film that beautiful recreates that tender time when growing up is confusing and full of pain. Shot, remarkably on a very modest camera, with incredible composition this is a film as visually appealing as it is compelling. So many time we hear how the location is another character in a film, but this time one can really believe it, the stunning scenery is not just chocolate box cover imagery with actors plopped in front of it, but imagery that truly helps push the narrative forward. Cast with non-professional actors, who all live in around the same gorgeous hills and valleys where the story unfolds, they bring a credibility to this film that transcends normal improvised films. Ivan Noel has crafted a persuasive story with a cinematic style that is truly a love of labor. When one hears the director also wrote the script, composed the music, worked the camera and edit the film – one normally runs for the exit. But Ivan Noel deserves the title auteur. Put this on your must see list.

Wonderfully absorbing film, beautifully shot in southern Spain with some subtlety simple performances from what are by all accounts local people. The landscape compositions are that of a painter and the use of light outstanding. Yes, I really love this film.

It is a shame therefore to have to make adverse criticisms. The film was shot over a period of one year. That is a long time but especially so when your lead actor is eleven years old. Couple that with some glaring continuity errors: The boy's socks change colour within the same scene on several occasions.

As for the ambiguity I would not criticize that; it forces the viewer to think. I don't understand Spanish so I suspect I'm missing out on quite a lot, but then the film couldn't really have been made anywhere else, such are the locations so integral to the whole.

I read a so-called 'review' below, which seems inspired by some bizarre personal grudge, rather than lucidity. Better they stick to 'Spiderman', and leave indie reviews for others. I have followed the course of this spectacularly beautiful film since it first came out. But just sticking to facts: I doubt the film would have been selected over tens of thousands of other films in the most important festivals of the world, if it had been 'amateur'! What a silly comment. Seattle, Vancouver, Palm Springs, it was voted one of the top films in Vancouver. Reviews have been outstanding right across the board, by professional critics in various countries. What is most striking about the film is the amazing naturalness of the acting, which they all refer to. So when one refers to 'skit' level acting, it is clear they are either an envious failed director, or have another agenda. The screenplay itself is one of the most sensitive portrayals of youth I have come across, full of subtleties, which, yes, I can see some more 'hollywood-style' persons might not catch on to. Well done Mr Noel, and ignore the sub-standard reviews like the one below. IMDb is a free and very 'popular' medium where the lowest minds even try to contribute. If the trailer is anything to go by, his second film looks to be even more promising. I'll leave you with what they said on the films first showing: 'Director Noel shoots the gloriously sunlit countryside around the village of Jerez with the eye of a painter while showing his expertise at playing with audience expectations. It is this sure-handed way with what turns out to be a surprising narrative, the naturalism of the local townspeople in their first acting roles, and the almost dangerous sensuality of the cinematography, that marks In Your Absence as a very impressive first film.'

The director says for this first film he gave his all, sold his house and spent $500,000 to make it with mostly non-actors in a beautiful part of Andalucia. Noel is good with the camera, with landscape, with improvisation, and with music, which he composed (he plays guitar). He uses simple elements, a mysterious man arriving with a broken-down car, a 13-year old boy missing a father, a flirty girl, a nosy postman--but the drama becomes quite complicated.

I'm not sure all the dots get connected or all final tragedies are necessary, but the ambiguous situation of the boy bonding with the man and the suspicious villagers feels original.

The director came to Spain (from where?) and settled in Andalucia 13 years ago to study Flamenco guitar. He has a recording studio, composes and plays multiple instruments, and also teaches music and drama in schools. The young actors in the film including his talented teen star Gonzalo Sanchez Salas, he trained in acting workshops for months before shooting the film.

'En tu ausencia' was in some festivals including Vancouver (2008) and Palm Springs (2009) but went straight to DVD in the US. It would be nice if Noel were able to make more features after this promising beginning.

Movies' today are the results of someone's quest for entertainment. However, they can also reveal the universal search for truth which leaves an indelible impression on the human soul. Of all the inner virtues which have a duel purpose, Love is one which can either comfort or destroy those who seek it. And yet, it's the one power we have the least control over. This remarkable film was written and directed by the very talented Ivan Noel. The movie tells the moving story of Pablo Benitez (Gonzalo Sanchez Salas) who one day encounters a stranded stranger named Paco, (Francisco Alfonsin) who's car breaks down near his tiny village. Were it not for a very nosy postman (Antonio Sanchez) who begins to circulate rumors, few would know of the man's arrival. As it is, within days the entire population becomes aware of him. Adding to Pablo's daily life is Julia (Ana Tutor) who amuses herself with his friendship and sexual education. However, Paco's real reason for the arrival concerns Pablo's mother, (Anabel Azuar) one which Pablo is unaware of. The entire misunderstanding is sure to confuse the viewing audience, unless we pay close attention. The movie allows us to share the inner conflicts of youthful adolescence, challenged by life's decisions concerning Love, hate and the trapping of innocent mistakes. This being Salas' first movie, it is easy to understand how he gives such a powerful performance with such youthful exuberance. Indeed, the entire cast should be proud of their efforts. Their combined talents with the guidance of their creative, masterful and artistic director have assured us with a visual Masterpiece which in time will be seen as a true Classic. ****