25/09/2006

The official competition of the 54th San Sebastian Film Festival has got off to a patriotic start. This year, programmers decided to truly shakes things up, presenting the 100% Spanish comedy Vete de mí (lit. “Get Away From Me”) by Victor García León as one of the first titles in the official competition.

The film, which seems anything but locally made, spices up the main theme – young people’s difficulties in separating themselves from their families – with a dash of the “Peter Pan syndrome” and a touch of bitterness of the post-hippy era, whose ideals seem as withered as a vacuum-packed daisy. For almost one and a half hours, we watch the fruitless attempts of a father (Juan Diego) to get his son (Juan Diego Botto) out of his already complicated life and, above all, out of his tiny apartment.

It is a welcome surprise to behold the debut of a young director in a comedy that does not seek easy laughs but delves into the depths of family dynamics to explain how, in this world, there is a big difference between being a conformist and knowing when to accept certain rules. The former, a disgraceful form of becoming accustomed to certain comforts, has nothing to do with the attitudes of those who fought against moral and political dictatorships, yet unfortunately must face a world with increasingly fewer ideals.

For their part, the film’s Spanish actors verify a period of high points and success. Juan Diego, sometimes poorly treated by cinema for the density of his performances, captures the essence of a mostly introverted character whose explosive moments, however, are excellent. Juan Diego Botto confirms a talent that, although does not shine, brings truth and intensity to the film.

As far as the supporting cast is concerned, it is necessary to point out the wonderful turn by Rosa María Sardá as a mother in the middle of a menopause crisis who cannot decide between anti-depressants and marijuana.

Vete de mi was produced by Juan Gona (Gona Cine y Televisión S.L.), a veteran Spanish producer who has created not just a company but a true brand of auteur cinema at the service of directors, most of them young.

This film is part of an ambitious project promoted by Principato di Asturias (a region in the north of Spain) to promote local young filmmakers. Through a significant financial endowment, three local filmmakers will be able to display their gifts behind the camera. The project is a good example of decentralisation and all are invited to follow suit, por favor!

(Translated from Italian)