Convoluted but moving

Rating: Null/10 (14 March 2004)

This movie is controversial. Some see brilliance while others see disorganization and needless obscurity. In fact, this controversy will never disappear because compelling arguments can be made for either viewpoint. So my way of summing this up is that you get brilliance, but depending on your judgement, it's either delivered in a flawed package or in a complex but mysteriously beautiful challenge. So the movie may not be perfect, but the important point is that it has something powerful to offer.
First, something that all reasonable critics will agree on: Naomi Watts' performance is outstanding. The range that this script demands of her is tremendous and she delivers a flawless, nuanced performance -- from a small town girl full of naive ambition, to highly charged erotic scenes (with both men and women), and everything in between.
Because of the disjointed way the plot is presented, you aren't hit over the head immediately with the poignant and tragic themes of disillusionment, betrayal, and alienation that ultimately move the viewer and join the mosaic pieces of the film together.
As for the notorious difficulty of the plot, I'd advise anyone who experiences this film to plan for at least 2 initial viewings. Do your best to unravel what's happened after the first viewing, but expect that you not be able to piece it all together. You might want to read some criticism between the 2 viewings if you feel too frustrated.
When I first saw this movie, I was completely out of the loop. I had no warning how difficult it would be to unravel, so I didn't really try to take account of every hint I could gather. Well, about 2/3 of the way through, I started getting the feeling that I was not seeing the big picture. I was expecting something closer to a traditional denouement. My reaction on hearing that final "Silencio" without having "got it" was to feel like an idiot.
You can either view this experience as a flaw of the film, its script, its direction, its editing, or whatnot, or you can view it as adding to the complex experience. I can live with either judgement.