ellenkrokosky

Absurdity is my favorite type of humor and this movie has plenty of it. I'm considered intelligent and fairly sophisticated, but I love absurd humor because it is such a great escape. As for the actors, Will and Christina are perfect in their roles, as was each of the secondary players. Of special note, there is a cartoonish segment presented, "Pleasure Town," which occurs when Will and Christina are making love for the first time. I thought it accurately depicted physical feelings while making love. The writing is quite good and I kept marveling at the imagination of the writers. For animal lovers, there are a few animals in this movie, and, yes, they will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. The only negative I have of this film was that Christina Applegate's make-up did not completely do her justice. The lipstick was too dark and shiny. Aside from that, the movie was great fun and kept me laughing throughout.

The previous reviewers have already discussed the story in detail, so I will not go into it. I saw this story as a play, twice, at Repertorio Espanol in NYC. The sets and acting were excellent. I loved both of the very imaginatively and colorfully staged productions. The Repertorio does not produce it anymore, I think because it is too expensive. Then I happened to see the film on television a few years ago which, much to my surprise, was also very imaginative and excellent. I am so disappointed that I cannot buy the DVD. I will have to content myself with the book. Perhaps it will be produced again someday as a film. Gabriel Garcia Marquez had a son who writes and directs screenplays. He is just the opposite of his father, whose writing style was magical realism. His son's style is in-your-face realism. Anyway, I wonder if he would be interested in imitating his father and producing Erendira for us.

This review will be very short.

I found the film fascinating. It has a rhythm that is present in Martel's other film, La Ciénaga (2002) and is also filmed mid range. Martel's films are recognizable as being hers without prior knowledge.

I notice none of the other reviewers mentioned the symbolism that is present throughout the movie, most notably water - the characters are always going to take showers, or mention the prospect of rain, or are thirsty. Also, they always seem to be in confined spaces - a car, a small room, the husband's new swim trunks are too tight. I was fascinated by the symbolism, but have not found anyone to discuss it and try to interpret it with.

As with La Ciénaga, La Mujer Sin Cabeza, is overall a fascinating view of Argentine upper middle class family life.