Camilo Superstar

"Camilo Superstar," the biopic about Camilo Sesto and his arrival in Spain with "Jesus Christ Superstar," had an excellent cast and renowned scriptwriters who promised a memorable series. Despite some qualities, the final result is disappointing.

On the one hand, the editing is quite well done and flows effectively, which stands out positively. However, the direction does not shine, although it cannot be considered bad either. Still, the big problem lies in the acting of Alejandro Jato, who plays Camilo Sesto. His performance degrades what could have been a 7 or 8 star product to something that barely reaches 3 or 4 at best.

Jato, originally from Vigo, tries to force a Valencian accent that feels exaggerated and not very credible, resulting in a performance that lacks authenticity. His performance contrasts noticeably with other actors in the cast, such as the one who plays Teddy Bautista, who really contributes to the story. Furthermore, the choice of actress for the role of Melina Mercuri also leaves much to be desired; her performance fails to capture the essence of the character and the lack of physical resemblance is evident.

The series also chooses to highlight aspects of Camilo's personal life, focusing on his love life in a superficial manner, which seems more like an attempt at sensationalism than a deep exploration of his legacy. The interpretations of the songs, which include some by Camilo himself, further highlight the gap between Jato's voice and performance, underlining his inability to convey the emotion that characterizes the artist.

Ultimately, "Camilo Superstar" is a project that, despite having great potential, is ruined by a poor central performance. It is a shame, especially for those of us who are fans of the musical and the legacy of Camilo Sesto, since the series is presented as a failed attempt to pay tribute to ecially for those of us who are fans of the musical and the legacy of Camilo Sesto, since the series is presehis figure. The lack of coherence and pretentious execution make this series, unfortunately, very bad.

I recently watched "Camilo Superstar," the 2023 TV mini-series, and was deeply disappointed by its poor production quality, lackluster casting and numerous creative missteps. As a fan of Camilo Sesto's music and life story, I was excited to see his biography brought to the screen. Unfortunately, the series fails to deliver an authentic and respectful portrayal of his life.

Poor Production Quality: The first noticeable issue is the series' cheap and rushed production. Given that Camilo Sesto passed away in 2019, the series' release in 2023, just four years later, feels premature. One would expect a more thoughtful and well-crafted approach after allowing some time for reflection and proper planning. The sets, costumes and special effects appear amateurish, detracting from the overall viewing experience. The editing is also sloppy, with abrupt transitions and pacing issues that disrupt the narrative flow.

Inauthentic Casting: Alejandro Jato's casting as Camilo Sesto is particularly jarring. Despite his efforts, he doesn't really resemble the iconic singer, making it difficult to become invested in his performance. His accent also fails to capture the distinctive tone of Camilo Sesto's voice, further detracting from the authenticity. Maybe using CGI to replicate Sesto's face would be a more convincing approach.

Misuse of Music: The series' decision to use pre-recorded songs instead of live performances by the actors is a missed opportunity. This choice undermines the emotional impact of pivotal moments, reducing them to mere lip-syncing. Camilo Sesto's music was an integral part of his legacy; incorporating live performances would have added depth and authenticity.

Lack of Consent and Respect: The series raises concerns about consent from Camilo Sesto's family and estate. Without their input or approval, it's unknown whether the producers truly understood Sesto's life and legacy. This lack of respect is evident in the series' superficial exploration of his struggles, relationships and artistic journey.

Inaccurate Representation: The series' narrative is riddled with inaccuracies and inconsistencies. Key events and figures are either glossed over or distorted, creating a misleading portrait of Camilo Sesto's life. This careless approach undermines the series' credibility and offends fans who know the truth.

Weak Staging: Some of the violent scenes staged in the episodes are very weak and lack impact, failing to convey the intensity or emotional weight of the moments.

Missed Opportunities: "Camilo Superstar" squanders opportunities to explore Sesto's impact on Spanish music and culture. His contributions to the industry, charitable work and personal struggles are glossed over or ignored. The series fails to capture the essence of his spirit, reducing him to a caricature.

The whole idea of this series is ruined by the poor choices committed by the cast and producers.

TL;DR: "Camilo Superstar" is a disappointing and disrespectful adaptation of Camilo Sesto's life. With its poor production quality, inauthentic casting, misuse of music and lack of consent, it falls short of expectations. Fans of Camilo Sesto deserve better. I strongly advise against watching this series.