Dark Blue Almost Black (2006)

Just as his childhood sweetheart Natalia returns, his infertile brother Antonio asks Jorge to impregnate Paula, Antonio's imprisoned girlfriend.

Director:

Daniel Sánchez Arévalo

Writer:

Daniel Sánchez Arévalo

Stars:

Quim Gutiérrez, Raúl Arévalo, Marta Etura

22 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Quim Gutiérrez	...	Jorge
Marta Etura	...	Paula
Antonio de la Torre	...	Antonio
Héctor Colomé	...	Andrés
Raúl Arévalo	...	Israel
Eva Pallarés	...	Natalia
Manuel Morón	...	Fernando
Ana Wagener	...	Ana
Roberto Enríquez	...	Roberto
Natalia Mateo	...	Funcionaria
Alba Gárate	...	Alba
Marta Aledo	...	Empleada banco
Carmen Arévalo	...	Maestra de ceremonias
Joaquín Notario	...	Jefe de personal 1
Esther Ortega	...	Jefe de personal 2

Storyline

Jorge is a 25-year old janitor who desperately tries to find himself a new, and especially, better, job. This undertaking is complicated by the fact he takes care of his handicapped father who had a hart infarct seven years earlier. His soon-to-be-released brother Antonio finds a girlfriend (Paula) in jail who wants to get pregnant. When Antonio finds out he's infertile, Jorge is asked to make Paula pregnant. To make the dilemma even heavier, Jorge's childhood sweetheart Natalia returns after many years. Meanwhile, Jorge's best friend Israel (nicknamed Sean) secretly photographs men visiting an erotic masseur to find out something he didn't bargain for.

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Plot Keywords:

two brothers in love with the same woman | two brothers courting same girl | janitor | photograph | gay secondary character | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

MK2 [France] Official site [Spain] (Spanish, English)

Country:

Spain

Language:

Spanish

Release Date:

19 October 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

DarkBlueAlmostBlack

Filming Locations:

Madrid, Spain

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,897, 21 October 2007, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$4,769, 2 November 2007

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canal+ España,Televisión Española (TVE),Tesela Producciones Cinematográficas

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Héctor Colomé, the actor who plays the father, was actually stepfather of director Daniel Sánchez Arévalo in real life.

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Connections

References Un, dos, tres... responda otra vez (1972)

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Soundtracks

Imaginarte
Written by Alba Gárate
Performed by Lantana

User Reviews

Channels tranquility – very patient, sweet film

Jorge (Quim Gutiérrez) is stuck in a dead-end job and with an unrequited long-term love for the girl next door. His father has suffered a stroke and needs constant supervision, which Jorge alone manages. His brother is in prison. His best friend is contemplating his sexuality. In short, he is the epitome of a "nice guy" – the kind who is too nice to lie, cheat or think in even remotely self-serving paths. In Arévalo's directorial debut, we are offered a slice of his protagonist's life – to no discernible end, but still a worthwhile watch.

The latter can best be attributed to the film's preference of continuity to climaxes. It offers next to no culminations, 'key' scenes or satisfying plot development and instead presents a highly low-key story that takes a gentle yet unflinching look at a young man's life. Quim Gutiérrez is handsome, affable and intrinsically good as Jorge, giving a sweet little performance that is just a smidge to humourless to wow the audience or even go the extra mile. None of the other actors are particularly noteworthy, although Raúl Arévalo caters to the comedy part which undoubtedly elevates the whole film above generic drama formula. Make no mistake however – it is no comedy.

Azuloscurocasinegro is also one of the calmest films I have ever seen. seen. It is neither boring nor slow, but the pacing is peaceful and there is an underlying tranquility in the seamless intercutting of scenes, without resorting to dreamy cinematography or soothing nature shots. I suppose that is another way of saying not much happens in it, which is certainly quite true, but there is some emotional poignancy to be found, some sex scenes to be 'enjoyed' and above all remarkably insightful dialogue to be shared. It delivers little gems by the bucketload, puffed full of actual wisdom – best of all, it never feels forced. In the end, Azuloscurocasinegro is quite forgettable, but a sweet viewing nonetheless.

7 out of 10