Review 1

Review of the film "Little Ashes "

Little Ashes(2008)

Directed: byPaul Morrison

Produced: byCarlo Dusi, Jonny Persey, Jaume Vilalta

Written by: Philippa Goslett

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Javier Beltran, Matthew McNulty, Marina Gatell

Music by: Miguel MeraCinematography, Adam Suschitzky

Editing: byRachel Tunnard, Samantha Patterine

Studio: PT Films, Aria Films, Factotum Barcelona S.L., Met Film Production, Met Film

Distributed by: SOROlla Films (Spain), Kaleidoscope Entertainment (UK)

Release date(s): 7 October 2008(Raindance Film Festival), 8 May 2009
Running time: 107 minutes

Country: United Kingdom, Spain

Language: English

Plot:

In 1922, 18-year-old Salvador Dalí  arrives at university in Madrid. The Residencia de Estudiantes, or Students' Residence, is a modern environment which encourages Spain's brightest young minds. Salvador, who is determined to become a great artist, soon catches the attention of the Resi's social elite — poet Federico García Lorca and aspiring filmmakerLuis Buñuel. Together they form the nucleus of the most modern group in Madrid.

Their private lives become increasingly complex as Federico ignores the advances of devoted friend and writer Magdalena, and Salvador himself feels the pull of Federico's magnetism. Luis, becoming increasingly isolated by the duo's closeness, decides to move to Paris to fulfil his own artistic ambitions. Meanwhile, Salvador and Federico leave Madrid to spend the summer at the seaside village of Cadaques, at the home of Dalí's family.

Federico finds himself accepted into the Dalí family as he and Salvador grow closer until, one night, their friendship becomes romantic. Even as they draw closer, their relationship appears doomed. Luis visits them at university and becomes more suspicious and appalled by their apparent closeness.

Salvador finds Federico's obsession with him more than he is prepared to handle and moves to Paris. Consumed by the high society and decadence, Salvador is soon entangled with Gala, a married woman with a penchant for celebrities. When Federico visits, he finds his friend is a changed man, in his life and his politics.

Main characters:

• Robert Pattinson - Salvador Dalí
• Javier Beltrán - Federico García Lorca
• Matthew McNulty - Luis Buñuel
• Marina Gatell -Magdalena
• Bruno Oro - Paco
• Esther Nubiola - Adela
• Marc Pujol - Carlos
• Arly Jover - Gala Dalí
• Simón Andreu - Fernando del Valle
• Vicky Peña - Magdalena’s aunt
• Rubén Arroyo - Rafael
• Diana Gómez - Ana María
• Pep Sais - Art Teacher
• Joan Picó - Young Officer
• Ferran Audí - Guard 1
• Adría Allué - Guard 2
• Ferran Lahoz - Señor Milagro
• Cristian Rodrigo - Young Journalist
• Sue Flack - Madam
• Adrian Devant - Puppeteer
• Ramón Enrich - Professor
• Xavi Siles - Man 1
• Philippa Goslett and Hannah Rũtzou - Federico’s Sisters
• Paco Alonso - Gypsy Singer

Direction:

Personally I think that Director Paul Morrison  nicely re-creates the period, but puts too much weight on the sexual relationship as determining the men's artistic courses. And the movie gives short shrift to a third student who would go on to fame, Luis Buñuel, who is written off as a homophobe.

Writing:

I dare say it seems to me "Little Ashes" is absorbing but not compelling. Most of its action is inward. The more we know about the three men the better. Although the eyeball-slicing is shown in the film, many audiences may have no idea what it is doing there. Perhaps Dali's gradual slinking away from his ideals, his early embrace of celebrity, his preference for self-publicity over actual achievement, makes better sense when we begin with his shyness and naivete.

Editing:

Speaking about editing I have to say that the movie is biopic about the youth of famous men are often overshadowed by their fame to come. "The Motorcycle Diaries," for example, depended for much of its appeal on our knowledge that its young doctor hero would someday become Che Guevara. "Little Ashes" is interested in the young men for themselves.

Costume design:

From my point of view the clothing choices fit the style of the movie. They fully show us the atmosphere of that time.

Set design:

The setting of the film influences other elements too.

Background music: 

So in this film I like music very much. It works with the scenes and fit the style of the movie. It works well with all over named aspects.

As for me, I like this movie. It impressed me greatly. It’s extraordinary. What is more, there are lots of big problems, which are hidden in the film. It would be better to make more such films about different famous artists. I think it's very important for our knowledge in the art sphere of life.