Cria Cuervos The Criterion Collection

Filed Under: Film, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review

 

By: Denis Blot

 

November 2007

DVD Features Video: 1.66:1 Audio: SPANISH: Dolby Digital Mono Original Theatrical Trailer Portrait of Carlos Saura, a documentary on the life and career of the Spanish auteur New Interviews with actresses Geraldine Chaplin and Ana Torrent A Booklet featuring a new essay by film scholar Paul Julian Smith Theatrical release: 5/18/1976 DVD released on 8/14/2007 by Criterion Running time of 109 minutes Starring: Mirta Miller, Geraldine Chaplin, Monica Randall, Ana Torrent, Florinda Chico, Hector Alterio Director: Carlos Saura Plot: Carlos Saura’s exquisite Cria Cuervos… heralded a turning point in Spain: Shot while General Franco was on his deathbed, the film melds the personal and the political in a portrait of the legacy of fascism and its effects on a middle-class family (the title derives from the Spanish proverb: “Raise ravens and they’ll peck out your eyes”). Ana Torrent (the dark-eyed beauty from The Spirit Of The Beehive) portrays the disturbed eight-year-old Ana, living in Madrid with her two sisters and mourning the death of her mother, whom she conjures as a ghost (played by an ethereal Geraldine Chaplin). Seamlessly shifting between fantasy and reality, the film subtly evokes both the complex feelings of childhood and the struggles of a nation emerging from the shadows.

 

 

When most think of Spanish film directors the name that comes to mind is Pedro Almodovar. His films are accessible, combine drama and humor well, and have an outrageousness about them that constantly peaks people’s interest. It should be noted that Almodovar is a product of post-Franco Spain, indeed Almodovar has been quoted as saying that he often constructs scenarios while thinking what would aggravate Franco the most. Almodovar’s flamboyant creativity would never have existed on Spain’s movie screens during fascist dictator Franco’s 35 year rule. Unfortunately heavy censorship limited artistic expression in all the art forms during this time period, even the film school was shut down. It is perhaps for this reason that works by Spanish film directors like Victor Erice and Carlos Saura, who made films during Franco’s reign and managed to create works that had unique storylines and often a subversive subtext that attacked the political status quo, should be appreciated.Saura is most recognized in the US for his flamenco trilogy, a series of films dealing with dance performances, of which “Carmen” is the most famous. It is truly fortuitous that Criterion DVD has released “Cria Cuervos” one of Saura’s early films that truly demonstrates his ability to make a brilliant film (and get it released) in a fascist country.

Telling a tale that combines reality and fantasy as seen through the eyes of a young girl hardly screams as a commentary on the fascist state, but throw in the death of her military father, the unraveling of secrets, and childhood in a rather drab household environment and the subtext quickly appears. Saura does well in placing key moments of humor and childhood fun to add levity to a very dramatic story.

Most memorable from the film is the young eight year old Ana Torrent who is extraordinary in the lead role. Her big deep piercing brown eyes that looks out on the world of reality and fantasy leaves a haunting impression long after the film ends.

The DVD extras include interviews with actress Geraldine Chaplin and a now grown up Ana Torrent, as well as a lengthy documentary covering Carlos Saura’s film career. The interview with Chaplin is highly informative as she had both professional and personal ties to Saura. Ana Torrent, being only eight at the time the film was made, remembers only a little of what transpired during the shooting of the film, it is however interesting to see her as an adult. The documentary, which has footage of not only Saura’s friends but of he himself, is a great summary of a great filmmaker’s career. In some ways seeing the documentary is tortuous as clips from many of Saura’s films are shown that are unavailable in the US. Hopefully Criterion DVD might release more Saura’s work.

Some viewers might not enjoy the shifts between fantasy and reality that occur in “Cria Cuervos” but true lovers of film and particularly those who are looking to have a solid representation of Spanish film in their DVD collection should definitely buy this film.

Reviewer’s Opinion: BUY IT!!