Alejandro Amenábar is one of Spain’s top directors and has returned to the silver screen with a film set to be a sure fire hit: Agora. Starring Rachel Weisz and having the biggest budget ever of Spanish film (50 million Euros), the film tells the tale of Hipatia, a philosopher known for her outstanding mathematical and astrological abilities. Why not tell us your thoughts – are there notable differences to the Spanish directed films and the made-in-Hollywood ones?
Spain’s top director, Alejandro Amenábar, has doen it again – he’s directed another top hit worthy of not just national recognition but international recognition too.
A well deserved Oscar for Alejandro Amenábar
Having the biggest budget ever for a Spanish film, over 50 million Euros, it’s another possible Oscar for Amenábar. A great way to learn Spanish, watching film in Castillian is a fun way to practise what you learn in the class room! Always remember that you can watch Spanish films at Mester – we have a film library and often put showings as part of the activity programme for students to boost their Spanish and give
Agora tells the tale of Hipatia, a philosopher, astrologer and mathematician from the beginning of the 5th century who was finally lynched for having alternative thoughts to the church. As well as this controversy, there is also the aspect of feminism which is dealt with by Amenábar. Hipatia was a unique woman and thikner for her time, something which ultimately cost her her life.
If you are interested in Spanish film, another film you may enjoy is Limits of Control. By Jim Jarmusch, it’s a mystery set through various cities and villages in Spain. The nameless main character, known only as the Lone Man, has a mission which involves the several meetings he has throughout the film, all of which begin with the line “¿usted, no habla español verdad?” (you don’t speak Spanish, right?”).
A scene from Limits of Control
Or if it’s Amenábar you really like, then see cult hit “Abre los Ojos” (the Spanish version of Vanilla Skies), or “Mar Adentro”, another controversional film dealing with the theme of euthenasia. What’s next for the director we don’t know – whether it’s Hollywood now the Oscar has called or more personal touch, unique film making, either way, we can’t wait!
Agora's poster - enticing, no?
