Classic Reviews


08 August, 2011

The Last Circus.....

Screening 23rd June 2011 at Cinema Nova, Melbourne.

 - Masterfully mad and hilarious all at once.

The Last Circus is a madcap, melodramatic Spanish Drama by Director Álex de la Iglesia winning the coveted Golden Bear at the Venice Film Festival, 2010.

The film commands your attention from the 'get go' with the opening scenes a dramatic montage of war and key events throughout modern history which is combined with a jarring film score that leaves you wondering what this film is all about.

The film begins with Javier (Carlos Areces) as a young boy during the 2nd World War, looking for his father, a circus performer and clown who has been captured by the Gestapo. The untimely death of his father (preceded by some words of wisdom from said father) suggest that Javier is destined to follow in his father's footsteps.

Carolina Bang (the director's partner) stars as the object of affection for two members of the Circus. Carolina is Natalia, the contorionist who dates the sadistically violent Sergio (actor Antonio de la Torre) the happy clown and is pursued by Javier, the recently employed sad clown.

Javier is overcome by his desire to rescue Natalia from Sergio and transforms himself overnight after being brutally attacked by Sergio himself. The transition from gentle and loveable to a crazy man is a sight to behold and you must watch out for the way Javier utilises an iron in his transformation.

The film spirals down an increasingly bizarre path, culminating with the two foes as prison mates, minus the object of their affections.










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