Combining the absurdist nihilism of Buñuel with the trendy shock-schlock hyperviolence of torture-porn auteur Eli Roth, this Spanish film from writer-director Álex de la Iglesia is set in Madrid, circa 1937, during the Spanish Civil War. The first 20 minutes aren't exactly slice-of-life filmmaking: during a circus show, a group of clowns are recruited by intruding left-wing rebels to fight an invading horde of right-wing Franco loyalists (suffice it to say that the spectacle of the performers in full makeup slaughtering fascists is an image that brands itself on the brain). Javier (Carlos Areces), son of one of the jesters captured by the Francoists, vows to become a “sad clown” in honor of his father. Decades later, Javier joins a small underfunded troupe led by the volatile Sergio (Antonio de la Torre), a master entertainer who beats those who disagree with him, including his beautiful girlfriend, the acrobat Natalia (Carolina Bang). When the frumpy, eunuch-like Javier becomes determined to protect Natalia from Sergio, he triggers a murderous rage in the brute, who pummels Javier (whose own violent anger is now ignited). From there the film takes on grotesque comic-book proportions, and the rivalry between the pair escalates into Rambo-like fantasy sequences full of vengeful violence and over-the-top gun-battle mayhem, apparently intended to suggest the conflict between authoritarianism and humanitarianism. Combining B-movie grindhouse fare with Hollywood blockbuster flair, this is recommended. (M. Sandlin)
The Last Circus
Magnolia, 101 min., in Spanish w/English subtitles, R, DVD: $26.98, Blu-ray: $29.98, Oct. 18 Volume 26, Issue 6
The Last Circus
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