Wild Tales: a film from Argentina that received an
Oscar nomination for Best Foreign film. It is the most-viewed
locally produced film in Argentina. The praise Wild Tales has
received is well deserved and the film is a delight despite some violent
scenes. The movie consists of six short stories, each dealing with
vengeance. While most of the stories have a tragic ending, they are
each told with humor. The closing story, “Til Death Do Us Part”, is
hilarious and like no wedding dinner you have ever seen. The
interaction that occurs when the bride discovers her husband had an affair with
a female co-worker whose been invited to the wedding dinner – this alone makes
the film worth seeing. Unfortunately, the opening story, “Pasternak”, is
a variation on the recent Germanwings tragedy. There is, however, an
important distinction between “Pasternak” and the real event which you will
recognize as the story unfolds. After “Pasternak” is an episode in a
diner. You will immediately like the waitress and despise the customer
whose retort to the waitress’ inquiry about whether he is dining alone is to
compliment her mathematical skills. The diner scene is followed by “Road
to Hell” which elevates road rage to an entirely new level. Episode
four is “Bombita” which opens with a car being towed. “The Deal”
involves lawyers and is the only story lacking a wicked comic
kick. The six stories comprising this 114 minute film vary in length,
each with a different cast. I am not familiar with any of the
actors. This masterpiece is written and directed by Damien
Szifron. It is in Spanish with very readable subtitles; the comedic
scenes often do not need subtitles. I highly recommend this movie.
