Jesús Mora's first feature is a remake of a 60s film noir from Catalan filmmaker Francisco Pérez Dolz. Kris Rendon investigates
A tiro limpio a remake of a Catalonian 60s movie is Spanish director Jesús Mora's first feature film. As for why he chose to recast A tiro limpio, directed by Francisco Pérez Dolz in 1962, Mora explains, '... It's a film that has always fascinated and surprised me. It's very modern, tough and fatalistic; the story is gripping. But, perhaps, what really grabbed my attention... was that it didn't have a moral. It possessed a certain ambiguity.'
Pérez Dolz's own film was screened last year in El bazar de las sorpresas sidebar at San Sebastián. Pérez Dolz's practically unknown film was the swansong of one of the most fascinating of genre movements in filmmaking under Franco: film noir made out of Barcelona. Many had a social or political edge which is surprising for its time. One of the characters, for example, speaks in Catalán, a language which Franco's regime officially abominated. The characters fail, and fail miserably, in their attempt to pull a heist. Scenes are shot in open streets rather than studios. The film has a toughness and desperation which can only be seen as a reflection of a society not entirely at ease with itself.
A tiro limpio was co-produced by José Díaz de Espada, former director of audiovisual affairs at the Sociedad Estatal Quinto Centenario, and Esperanza Gallut at SEDA and Juan Julio Baena and Juan Baena through Aserva and Coral Europa.
A tiro limpio forms part of a three-film production slate, all films noirs, says Díaz de Espada. Their directors will be around the age of 30. 'It's a generation which is very important in Spain in all aspects and notably in filmmaking,' Espada told Moving Pictures.
With a cast of young, up-and-coming actors, the film tells the story of Román (Toni Cantó) a perennial escapist and Martin (Adolfo Fernández) a rebel-rousing rogue two friends who get themselves involved in hell-raising, money-making schemes whenever they see each other. And 10 years have passed since that last happened.
Now, Román an about-to-turn 30 dreamer finds himself adrift. He's sick and tired of living his life as though it were a project. In a word: he wants to settle (and he wants It now , whatever it is). Urging him on though not directly is his hairdresser girlfriend Marisa (Laura Pamplona), who's prepared to leave him if he doesn't get his act together. And Román, of course, wants her to stay that is, to stick with him.
So when Martín appears on the scene, Román's outlook changes to one of hope. His friend, after all, has a plan, and, like all of Martín's plans, this one means money. If all goes well, Román will be able to buy the boat he's been longing to get for years, the one that will anchor him in.
As for Martín, he too is a drifter and a world-weary and ill one at that. His highly-respectable family disowned him a decade ago after he tried stealing from them and was caught. With this new scam he's manouvered, he expects to get back on the lap of luxury and lead the life he was destined to live: one of ease. To help him, he's brought back an accomplice, a muscle-sculptured and silent Brazilian named Nuno (Luis Rodrigues). And he has also convinced his faithful sidekick, Román, to bring in a friend, Picas (Román Luknar).
But, their first job goes wrong, forcing this fantastic four to move on to plan B: the takings from a rock concert. This second job works. However, success theirs, at least is not all cracked it's up to be. After the scam, death hunts each and every one of them down. And decisions revolving around loyalty and debt must be taken. Roman must choose to either stand by Marisa or by Martin.
An old story? Perhaps. But what story is not. After years of directing television programs and short films, Jesús Mora has proven that he has the know-how and the enthusiasm to turn this piece into something new, to refreshen it.
The references were as well inspiring for Mora. 'I can't deny that names such as John Frankenheimer, Gordon Douglas, Don Siegel, or Stanley Kubrick, haven't had a certain influence over me....One of my visual aims was to create a certain atmosphere, a claustrophobic sensation, an all-absorbing tone which traps you when you see old US movies,' he says.
Prod co: SEDA, Aserva, Coral Europa.
Prod: José Díaz de Espada, Esperanza Gallut
Assoc prod: Juan-Julio Baena, Juan Baena.
Dir: Jesús Mora
Scr: José Angel Esteban, Carlos López from a story-line by Francisco Pérez Dolz, José M. Ricarte
Foto (Ph): Federico Ribes.
Mus: Kaelo del Río.
Art dir (Prod des): Mont (Ed): Ints (Cast): Toni Cantó, Adolfo Fernández, Román Luknar, Laura Pamplona, Diana Peñalver, Luis Rodrigues.
Ventas (Int sales): Coral Europa/SEDA, RTVE.
PROGRAMACION: (Screenings): Sep 22, 19.00. Principal; Sep 23, 10.00, Principal; Sep 23, 16.15, Astoria 1; Sep 24, 16.00. Príncipe 4
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