By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Albert Serra
Original language title: Tardes de soledad
Year: 2025
Running time: 125
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26245982
Diane says: “Albert Serra’s 2025 documentary AFTERNOONS OF SOLITUDE didn’t make our noms, but I was still very eager to see it. It was #6 on New Yorker critic Richard Brody’s top movies for last year.
“In saturated color and a Wiseman style (jumping right in, no extra information–oh, I see that’s called ‘observational documentary’), we witness maybe five bullfights by 28-year-old matador Andres Roca Rey, plus glimpses of his time in a van traveling to and from fights, visibly in pain and exhausted, yet high on adrenalin, and scenes in his hotel room, dressing and undressing. (My viewing companion remarked afterwards, ‘That was incredible! To see a man lifting another man off his feet to put his pants on.’)
“During the fights, the camera is always tight to the matador or the bull, mostly alone in the composition. So to me it was less about the action of the bullfight than the fierceness and beauty of both. As Roca Rey taunts the bull, his mouth is often exaggeratedly rounded. His hips thrust forward, which I expect is to show he’s making his genitals vulnerable. His short chaquetilla and slippers emphasize the stance.
“This matador’s looks reminded me of Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Trump. And the fawning words of his team in the van were like the sycophancy of a Trump cabinet meeting.
“Serra also directed the feature/Chlotrudis fave PACIFICTION. Now I have to see more of Serra’s films.<
“4 cats. Of course, you have to be able to watch bulls being tortured.”
Tom responds: “Andres Roca Rey is one riveting MF, the cinematography is masterful and Brody, while insightful, it burn out of touch and an extreme posturer who leans in center a lot.
“Where is Manny Farber when you need ‘ms”