Viva La Muerte, released by Cult Epics, is the first film from Spanish playwright Fernando Arrabal; who was one of the first "Spanish Surrealists". While fairly unknown (espically compared to other surrealists), his work still influences film maker all over the world.
FILM- Viva La Muerte explores the mind of Fando, a young boy dealing with loss and the unknown. His father was arrested during the Spanish Civil War; and Fando is still coping with this ordeal. His religious, mother, both abusive and loving, tries to dismiss his father. Fando does not know how to deal with his bittersweet life at times, and retreats into his mind for safety. He tries to make sense of it all: war, death, love, cruelty, politics, and religion. Even during the times Fando is with friends and loved ones, he still retreats into his mind. He soon find a letter, incriminating his mother in the arrest of his father. Again his mother blows the issue off, claiming he committed suicide while in jail. Fando, not believing his mother, decides to find the true fate of his father.
Spanish Surrealism has always thrilled me. The imagery, the exotic locations; everything about it. Arrabal use of the surreal in Viva La Muerte is like no other Spanish Surreal film I have seen. The "reality" is not tarnished; it's the way Fando's mind perceives it. It's horrifying, yet beautiful, to see how his mind works. Most of the time, the violence and sexuality are overdone; which is taboo for such a young boy. One scene in particular involving a cow both repulsed and fascinated me; and was one of the hardest scenes, of any movie, I have sat through. Fando is most definitely a reflection of Arrabal, which makes this one of the more personal films of it's kind. Viva La Muerte is the surreal autobiography of a tormented mind, and is unlike anything you will ever see. 8/10.
PICTURE/ AUDIO- The picture looks amazingly well. The colors are strong and bold, and the grain is the perfect balance; not enough to ruin the film, but enough to match the tone and setting. Cult Epics had once again proven their ability to deliver almost perfect transfers. 9/10.
The audio is great, and has minimal interference. There's something about the way films in the 70's sounded; I can't describe it, but people who are fans of off beat, retro cinema will know what I'm talking about. Viva La Muerte has this indescribable quality to it, and sounds excellent. 8/10.
EXTRAS- Cult Epics has once again loaded this disk with extras. On disk extras include: an interview with director Fernando Arrabal, a French lobbycard gallery, and the trailer for I Will Walk Like a Crazy Horse. Also included is a 6 page set of liner notes. 8/10.
This DVD is part of the Fernando Arrabal Collection Vol. 1, which is reviewed here!
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