From Asghar Farhadi to Pedro Almodóvar: The triumphs and failures of filming in another language

From left to right, Fernando Trueba, Juan Pablo Urrego and Aida Folch on the set of 'Haunted Heart' in 2022.CLARA LEÓN

From Asghar Farhadi to Pedro Almodóvar: The triumphs and failures of filming in another language 

The release of ‘Haunted Heart’ and ‘The Room Next Door’ join a growing list of movies by filmmakers who have dared to try their hand at a foreign language

TOMMASO KOCH

Madrid - AUG 31, 2024 -

One person bought rice. Another bought a bottle of olive oil. Maybe someone picked up some biscuits. Nothing transcendental, nor particularly artistic. Just the usual stuff in a grocery store. However, while he helped his parents run their business, little Asghar Farhadi watched the customers and would daydream about their shopping carts, their looks or their characters.

Woody Allen, Sofia Coppola and Hamaguchi impress audiences at the Venice Film Festival

Woody Allen at the screening of 'Coup de Chance' at the Venice International Film FestivalGUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE

VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

Woody Allen, Sofia Coppola and Hamaguchi impress audiences at the Venice Film Festival

‘Coup de Chance,’ Allen’s 50th film, shows he still has a lot to offer, while ‘Priscilla’ presents a delicate but imperfect portrait of Elvis Presley’s marriage

TOMMASO KOCH

Venecia - SEP 05, 2023 - 13:52 COT

Music evolves in society and cinema – the narratives no longer solely revolve around men. On September 4, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock, saw the focus shift to Priscilla Beaulieu, his wife until their divorce in 1973. Director Sofia Coppola found her story intriguing, so in Priscilla, Elvis is only seen through his wife’s eyes. “It’s really tough to sit down and watch a movie about you, your life, and your love,” said a visibly moved Beaulieu after the movie’s screening at the Venice International Film Festival. “Sofia did a fantastic job.” The idea and its execution deserve accolades, but considering Coppola’s exceptional talent, one can’t help but expect something even better from her.

Bad to the bone / This is how you create the perfect villain

BAD TO THE BONE:THIS IS HOW YOU CREATE THEPERFECTVILLAIN

EL PAÍS has put together a collection of various icons of cruelty – hailing from cinema, literature and comic books – to craft a portrait of the ideal nemesis.

TOMMASO KOCH

Madrid - JUL 04, 2023 - 07:15 COT

Stopping the villains is the goal of any superhero. But at least once — just before he tightens the handcuffs around their wrists — Batman should thank them.

The Joker, Penguin, or Two-Face have kept him — and all of Gotham city — awake for more than one night. However, they also made legends out of the superhero. Only a Dark Knight could defeat such tough opponents. Although, lately, the mission of the good guys seems to be getting more and more difficult. Because the bad guys have learned to capture not only cities, but also hearts.