Disappearance as a metaphor
Ernesto Gómez
Two thrillers in which investigations reveal a ghost. Two great examples of fusion between class Spanish shared constructs with narratives coming from American film noir. Both films start the figure a missing person (a metaphor referring to the abscence of values) in order to show dysfunctional families that have suffered several economic crisis. Crime narrative augments the lack-of-structure concept by giving the viewer the possibility of completing the puzzle.
La propera pell is based on an undeniable truth: the current Spanish crime scene us the countryside. One of those scenarios where quarrels, silences, secrets and the past remain year after year. Also an scenario in which all of the aforementioned can trigger an explosion. This film is based on that, and shows how a disappearance lead to the loneliness of the people that remain. Also, that the place where you come back never remains the same as when you left.
Los peces rojos may be the high point of Spanish crime film. It is an unusual thriller with no violence but with loads of suspense. A film halfway between psychological drama and thriller, its strength is based on a lethal triangle: the existence of a son -always off screen-, a show girl that aims for a better life, and a man torn between cold calculation and overwhelming passion.
