“Siesta 1987” is a surrealistic tale of a woman’s search for identity. She wakes up in a Spanish desert with no memory of how she got there. As she explores the landscape, memories return in fragments like puzzle pieces. The movie is like a dream, both beautiful and confusing, leaving the viewer unsure of what is real and what is not. It’s a poetic meditation on life, death, and the spaces in between.
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Review
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the Colombian author and screenwriter who mesmerized the world with his unique style of storytelling, had an exceptional eye for detail when it came to his work. His stories were always enriched with vivid imagery, intricate characterizations and a deep sense of understanding of human emotions. One such work that stands out amongst his many literary contributions is the 1987 movie ‘Siesta’.
‘Siesta’ was directed by Mary Lambert and starred Ellen Barkin, Jodie Foster, Isabella Rossellini, Gabriel Byrne and Martin Sheen. The film was adapted from the novel of the same name by Patrice Chaplin. Set in Spain, it is a romantic-drama exploring love and loss in an unconventional manner.
The plot revolves around a young American woman named Claire (Ellen Barkin) who mysteriously disappears after a tryst with her Spanish lover Joseph (Gabriel Byrne). Following her disappearance, she suffers from amnesia and wakes up in different parts of Spain without any knowledge of how she ended up there. Her lover Joseph sets out to find her while Claire tries to piece together the fragments of her memory.
The film is breathtakingly beautiful as the expansive landscapes of Spain are captured beautifully on camera by cinematographer Juan Ruiz Anchia. The score by legendary composer Miles Davis perfectly complements the visuals, creating an ethereal effect throughout.
The film’s cast is impeccable with Ellen Barkin putting on one of her best performances as Claire. Jodie Foster plays Claire’s friend who helps her through her journey back to reality while Gabriel Byrne delivers an excellent portrayal of Joseph; a man whose love for Claire never wavers despite their unconventional relationship.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie features Isabella Rossellini as Marie de la Salle; a French artist who paints a portrait of Claire after encountering her by chance in Seville. The scene has an air of surrealism that lingers long after it ends.
Despite the movie’s obvious strengths, it was not a commercial success and received mixed reviews from critics. Many found the movie to be too abstract and convoluted with its plot while others lauded it for its poetic nature.
Critics were divided about the performances of the actors as well, with some feeling that Ellen Barkin’s portrayal of Claire was too wooden while others felt that Gabriel Byrne’s performance was lacking in depth.
Regardless of its mixed reception, ‘Siesta’ remains an intriguing film that showcases the talent of all involved. It is a rare gem that explores love in a manner that is refreshingly unconventional. It is a must-watch for anyone looking for something different in their cinematic experience.
The filming of ‘Siesta’ took place in various locations across Spain; including Madrid, Seville, Toledo and Valencia. The crew made use of Spain’s rich cultural heritage to create an authentic atmosphere, resulting in some stunning visuals.
The cast and crew faced several challenges during production including language barriers, extreme weather conditions and difficult terrain. However, they persevered through it all to create a visually stunning movie that stands tall even today.
The movie’s critical reception led to several award nominations including Best Cinematography at the Independent Spirit Awards and Best Motion Picture at the Golden Globe Awards. While it did not win any major awards, ‘Siesta’ remains an important work of art that showcases the talent and dedication of all involved.
In conclusion, ‘Siesta’ is an underappreciated masterpiece that deserves more recognition than it gets. Its poetic nature coupled with its surreal imagery and excellent score make it a unique cinematic experience. The film explores unconventional romantic relationships in a way that is both thought-provoking and moving at the same time.
While the film may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to its abstract narrative style, those who appreciate experimental cinema will find much to admire here. It is a work of art that deserves to be seen by a wider audience and will no doubt continue to inspire filmmakers for years to come.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 97
- Release : 1987-11-11
- Genre : Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Cast : Ellen Barkin as Claire, Gabriel Byrne as Augustine, Julian Sands as Kit, Isabella Rossellini as Marie, Martin Sheen as Del
- Crew : Marlene Stewart as Costume Designer, Miles Davis as Music, Nik Powell as Executive Producer, John Beard as Production Design, Zalman King as Executive Producer
- Popularity 6.417
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : $700,000
- Company : Lorimar Motion Pictures, Siren Pictures
- Summary : American Claire wakes up blood-soaked and bruised at the end of a runway in Spain. As she tries to account for her state, she has flashbacks from the past few days. She thinks she’s killed someone, but isn’t sure, and now she’s wandering the Spanish streets without money or a clear memory.
- Tagline : The time of day when mystery and passion become one.
