Les clairons de la peur

This is not the typical enchanted look to bullfights, which is one of the most distinctive identification signs for the Spanish culture. This film provides a more darker and insightful look to the fiesta and demolishes almost all the stereotypes surrounding it.

Here the main characters (the two "toreros") are presented with their illusions and respect towards bullfights, but also with fear, making them humans and not simply bravura heroes.

In the same way, the people who attend the spectacle (represented by that pintoresque villagers in an incredibly naturalistic way) are not presented just as simple spectators, but as a fierce audience willing to enjoy the fiesta even if there's blood in the "ruedo".

So, bullfighting is not only shown as a form of macho bravery, art or vane entertainment, but also in a more realistic way. This surprises us today bearing in mind the time when the film was shown, in which all Spanish signs of identity had to be glorified in order to please the Dictatorship.

"Los clarines del miedo" should be rediscovered and praised as one of the most significant Spanish films concerning its traditions.