Hey folks, Harry here... The long and wonderfully programmed Seattle Film Festival has gotten underway, and oddly, unlike Cannes this year, it seems they've already got a damn fine film under their belt in VALENTIN. Here ya go...
Hi, Harry. I can't believe I've been in Seattle going on four years now and this is the first film festival I've attended. And, I'm a little pissed that I won't be around for closing night ceremonies because I have to fly off to Vail, CO. C'est la vie. I'll do my best to give everyone the low-down on as many movies as I can take in. Like:
VALENTIN
I'm hoping everything else in this year's Seattle Intl. Film Festival will live up to its knock-out opener, but I kind of highly doubt it. VALENTIN has a sweet story to tell, about the titular eight-year old (an indelible debut by Rodrigo Noya) and the lives that can't help but be affected by him. There's his ailing grandmother who talks to herself, and seems to always be balking about one thing or another since the death of her husband; the neighborhood drunk who teaches him piano, and speaks to him as an equal; his uncle -- they talk very candidly about what attracts men to women; even a doctor he convinces to approach his grandmother in public because she'll never come in to the hospital on her own (the market scene is one of the funniest in the movie). And, there's the temporary new girlfriend of his mostly absent father -- Julieta Cardinali has a strikingly lovely profile -- who puts it very simply: "How could anyone not love you?"
Indeed. You never know what this character is going to say next, and that's a big part of his charm. He offers succinct advice to whomever might be in need of some, like this exchange: "I'm having problems with my girlfriend." "Break up." "It's not that easy." "Stay with her, if you want to suffer." He is precocious, and has a bit of a mouth. You just kind of shake your head and grin. You don't want anything bad to happen, like the passing of a relative, even though that's just what does. Noya is an awkward-looking boy, but he's got a warm, winning personality and it's all over the place. He's not the stereotypical 'cute' child -- he'll stand his ground with you. And, he listens, absorbs information, takes in as much of the world as his age will allow and tries to find the best approach to every situation. I'd like to see this character in ten or fifteen years, walking on the moon (you'll know when you see the movie).
There are moments during VALENTIN when I just kind of sat back with a silly, content expression on my face. Totally in love with this film. Aside from the last scene between Valentin and his father, there isn't a false moment in it. An indesputably great work.
-- J-Man
