Carlos Robledo Puch was a baby-faced 19-year-old in 1971-72, when he went on a crime spree in Buenos Aires that included 11 murders, as well as numerous robberies, rapes, and kidnappings. After his arrest, Puch was called the "Death Angel" or "Black Angel" because of the inexplicable divergence between his good looks and solid upbringing and his unspeakable actions. Luis Ortega’s docu-drama can be criticized for failing to provide much psychological insight into Puch and for romanticizing his story, but it does boast a charismatic turn from Lorenzo Ferro—who bears a strong physical resemblance to the actual killer as a young man—and striking visuals, with the period settings captured in colorful widescreen images. Still, the narrative is thoroughly unpleasant, charting Puch’s evolution from a high school kid who enjoys breaking into houses and stealing motorcycles, to a hardened thief who pulls off heists of guns and money, and finally to a killer who apparently enjoys shooting people just for the thrill of it. Anyone looking for answers about why Puch embarked on a career of mindless violence will undoubtedly be disappointed, but El Angel does present an effective account of this disturbing case. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
El Angel
Passion River, 115 min., in Spanish w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $24.99 Volume 34, Issue 3
El Angel
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