El principio de Arquímedes

It had to be in Spain where a director still dares to make a film about the awful corporate state of most Western (not to mention 3rd world) societies. Against the background of this statement, is set a story of self discovery, love for those who were regarded as failures, and admiration for those who reject the American dream, which mostly comes at the price of abuse and inhuman values. Once again proof of Spain's strong cinematic and socially engaged quality. Marta Belastaugui is going to be one of the most wanted actresses in the next few years, mark my words. Alberto Jimenez is always watchable as backstabbing bastard. And the other two main actors also give very good performances. The slick grey/white corporate style and the business district of Madrid as background give the film also visually its distinctive identity. Full marks

Social climbers, the soul-less big enterprises which doesn't care about firing 100 or 200 employees if they have to, two couples of neighbors that will end up in sort of a love-square; the modern way of life, the big money and the stress of it all against a more human existence, with less money but with more time to ourselves. Some interesting points are showed in El Principio De Arquimedes, no doubt about it. Too bad Gerardo Herrero directed it just like he was an absolute beginner (and he is not, he's filmed more than 20 movies, and produced dozens ...). Stiff and a little stereotyped characters, a bad actor's direction (though there are some nice performers in this movie: especially the fascinating Marta Belaustegui), a script full of forced and so unnatural dialogues, and a poor production. In short: they had the ideas, but they didn't find the way to make them credible.

PS: The props for some of the scenes (such as in that at the new store presentation) are REALLY scruffy!! (look at those logos, my god!). OK, this is Spain, usually they don't have much money for making movies but... come on!

My rate: 4/10

Hi - I'm interested in looking for music by the singer who sang the song at the end of the movie. I believe I caught the following names in the credits as they rolled by: Music: Lucio Godoy, Singer: Olga San Ramon??, and also one Rodolfo Paez. I thought the song was nice, and would like to find other music like it. Otherwise, I thought the movie was quite nice. Yeah, some of the dialogs were a little clipped, and perhaps the movie could have been done better, but the idea was good, and it raised a lot of relevant and important questions in our busy life of today. I liked Marta Belaustegui's acting, and also that of Roberto Enriquez. Best, Ashwin