Copyright (c) Pedro Sena 1994
FILM TITLE: SIESTA DIRECTOR: MARY LAMBERT COUNTRY: USA/SPAIN 1987 CINEMATOGRAPHY: BRYAN LOFTUS CAST: Ellen Barkin, Gabriel Byrne, Julian Sands, Isabella Rossellini, Martin Sheen MUSIC PERFORMED BY: MILES DAVIS MUSIC BY: MARCUS MILLER SUPER FEATURES: Excellent story, well filmed.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very similar in style to the film WILD ORCHID ( the first ), it deals with a woman's adventures in Spain, where she basically comes to grips with her femininity, if not her real womanhood.
However, what makes this film difficult to follow is the fact that much of it takes place in the woman's mind, if the ending is any indication whatsoever. The whole thing may have not happened at all, although much of it definitely did happen.
With an outstanding cast, and great music all over, this film moves along exploring a woman's ability to relate physically to a world that doesn't think about the physical part of themselves at all, in the sense that they are not self conscious about it. And the American tourist is very self conscious, and many times denies herself adventures, though her mind allows her to fantasize about them.
All of the actors in this film look like they are on vacation and enjoying their roles, which is very much the attitude we usually pick up of the Spanish people. The sex is up front, and honest, rather than discussed in words, or in the mind. One falls for the feeling rather than wait for the mind to come along. And in the end, although it is clear that this woman's mind has learned much, it still shows that she is partially trapped in her ideas, and is not capable of true enjoyment. The suggestion is that she will return to America and continue playing games, rather than enjoy herself.
A very good film, and fun to watch, because many times we are not really sure of what is really happening, only to find that she was dreaming. The cutting of the film is fast, and very suggestive, and the dreamy music helps that mood.
VERY GOOD FILM. GREAT IF YOU LIKE TO FIGURE THEM OUT TYPE OF FILMS. 3.5 GIBLOONS
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