Based on a true story, Israel Adrian Caetano's deeply disturbing Chronicle of an Escape takes place in Argentina during the country's so-called “dirty war” in the 1970s. The story focuses on Claudio Tamburrini (Rodrigo de la Serna), a young soccer goalie kidnapped by members of a military task force and held prisoner in a dilapidated mansion along with several other young men who are accused of being terrorists and subjected to endless interrogations and harrowing torture. Months pass in captivity before the prisoners, fearing they will be executed, begin to plan their escape from this living hell. Unrelenting in its depiction of physical torture sessions and the tragic emotional aftereffects of seeing once-vibrant young men reduced to quivering human beings, the film is shot in unsaturated colors, favoring tight close-ups to frame the brutal action, creating a visually disconcerting experience that effectively mirrors the warped world of the characters. De la Serna deserves particular praise for his effective performance as Tamburrini, who is never truly broken, despite the extraordinary attacks on his body and soul. Highly recommended. [DVD extras include deleted scenes, a “making of” featurette, and fascinating interviews with former “dirty war” captives who provide their personal recollections from this horrific chapter in Argentine history. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a powerful film.] (P. Hall)
Chronicle of an Escape
Genius, 111 min., in Spanish w/English subtitles, R, DVD: $24.95 Volume 23, Issue 6
Chronicle of an Escape
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