Review: Crónicas / Chronicles (2004)

Reporter Manolo Bonilla (John Leguizamo), his producer Marisa (Leonor Watling) and cameraman Ivan (José Maria Yazpik) follow the trail of a serial killer who preys on children in the Ecuadorian countryside. They unexpectedly encounter a travelling salesman, Vinicio (Damián Alcázar), who may know something about the killer. But Vinicio demands a price for a once in a lifetime interview that may cost Manolo more than he expects.

Starting from the horrific opening scenes, this is a taut thriller that maintains the suspense until the last minutes. Much of the story is about Manolo balancing his ambitions against his conscience, as he convinces his crew to stick with him and keep the police away while pursuing his story. Ecuadorian writer-director Sebastián Cordero doesn't romanticize the miserable condition of the countryside and its poor inhabitants, which lends veracity to the drama.

Spanish with English subtitles.

4 out of 5 stars.

Review: Anna M. (2007)

A lonely book restorer, Anna M. (Isabelle Carré), becomes infatuated with her doctor, Dr André Zenevsky (Gilbert Melki), and begins to stalk him.

Writer-director Michael Spinosa chronicles dispassionately Anna's increasingly psychotic and violent behaviour as she tries to attract Zanevsky's attention. The tone of the film is realistic and avoids the over-the-top murderous obsession of 'Fatal Attraction', though dog lovers and parents of young children may feel a little uneasy with some of the scenes. Isabelle Carré gives a believable performance as the troubled Anna.

A rather frustrating film because we are not given any clues as to the cause of Anna's condition (there is a hint that it is not the first time) and Spinosa seems content to just show us the consequences of her actions.

French with English subtitles.

3 out of 5 stars.

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Welcome to Vibogafi! This is a blog of impressions about media that interest me, namely video, books, games and films.