Live-In Maid (2004)

A wealthy woman and her live-in housekeeper must adjust their entrenched routine and relationship when Buenos Aires is plunged into economic crisis.,

Director:

Jorge Gaggero

Writer:

Jorge Gaggero

Stars:

Norma Aleandro, Norma Argentina, Marcos Mundstock

7 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Norma Aleandro	...	Beba Pujol
Norma Argentina	...	Dora
Marcos Mundstock	...	Víctor
Raul Panguinao	...	Miguel
Elsa Berenguer	...	Sara
Eduardo Rodriguez	...	Luisito
Susana Lanteri	...	Memé
Claudia Lapacó	...	Perla
Mónica Gonzaga	...	Irma
Nelly Prince	...	Nelly
Hilda Bernard	...	Judith
Harry Havilio
Marina Wollman	...	Anfitriona del Country
Arturo Goetz	...	Invitado en el Country
Eva Adanaylo

Storyline

Late in 2001, tough economic times in Buenos Aires mean that Beba, a slim, blond, and privileged divorcée, has no money to pay Dora, a doughy, nearly-silent maid who has lived with her for almost 30 years. Dora breaths in her dignity and resigns. She wants to finish work on her own house, with her less than reliable mate, Miguel. She also looks for a new job. Beba asks her ex-husband for financial help. He demurs. Can Beba adjust to new realities, find a way to pay Dora, and honor her lifetime of service, and can either make a life without the other? Does sisterhood cross class lines?

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Plot Keywords:

economics | maid | housekeeper | buenos aires argentina | servant | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

Aqua Films

Country:

Argentina Spain

Language:

Spanish

Release Date:

26 May 2005 (Argentina)

Also Known As:

Live-In Maid

Filming Locations:

Buenos Aires, Federal District, Argentina

Box Office

Budget:

$800,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$15,581, 22 July 2007

Gross USA:

$200,433

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$618,264

Company Credits

Production Co:

Aquafilms, Filmanova, Libido Cine

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Cómo te extraño
Written by Leo Dan
Performed by Café Tacvba

User Reviews

Subtle, entertaining, heartbreaking, deep, sophisticated - Argentinean

This film to me is undoubtedly one of the rare and stupendous examples of what they call (in the best sense possible) - an "actors' director", or in this case, rather - an actresses' one. I shall not bore you with the plot, it is all in the respective IMDb section, instead I will tell why I consider this a must-see for anyone who appreciates stories about relationships, who enjoys and values the intricacies of a female character (in this case - two rather opposite ones) beautifully unfolded. The love-and-hate relationship between the lady of the house (a bit delusional, totally broke and trying desperately to save her face) and her mucama, played to perfection by the grand Norma Aleandro and the fantastic discovery of Jorge Gaggero - Norma Argentina. What amazes me is how incredibly sensitive the director is to the enormous difference in characters of the actresses and their approaches, how seamlessly he makes that gap serve the purpose of his brilliantly written story. Every scene is a master class in subtlety, wit and purposefulness. In my view, many new directors will benefit enormously if they watch the film with an open mind. I was astonished by the fact that Ms. Argentina had never appeared on screen or stage before, she is breathtakingly effective in every shot, and the honest simplicity she contrasts to Aleandro's sophistication is a delight to observe. Absolutely recommended - the film is made with very apparent love for the woman, for Argentina and exquisite artistic taste and mastery. 10/10 from me.