Glue (2006)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Alexis Dos Santos

Writer:

Alexis Dos Santos (writer)

Release Date:

28 September 2006 (Netherlands)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

A Teenage Story In The Middle Of Nowhere

Plot:

"A teenage summer in a small town in the desert, a dysfunctional family, a rock band, a can full of glue...

Plot Keywords:

Coming Of Age | Teenage Boy | Discovery | Argentina | Desert

Awards:

5 wins

Cast

Nahuel Pérez Biscayart	...	Lucas
Nahuel Viale	...	Nacho
Inés Efron	...	Andrea
Verónica Llinás	...	Mecha
Héctor Díaz	...	Freddy
Florencia Braier	...	Flor
Sonia Stenico	...	La amante
Los Wamos Band	...	La banda
Jimena Prieto	...	Jimena
Griselda Ojeda	...	Doctora
Rodrigo Espinoza	...	Alumno Ingles
Flavio Alexis Saddi	...	Flavio
'Astor' Escobar	...	Astor
Ángela Odetto	...	Informativo
Mariana Dos Santos	...	Madre de Andrea

Also Known As:

Glue - Historia adolescente en medio de la nada (Argentina) (long title)

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

Argentina | UK

Language:

Spanish | English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Certification:

Netherlands:16 | Argentina:16 | Australia:MA | Germany:16

Filming Locations:

Patagonia, Argentina

Company:

Diablo Films

Trivia:

The film's script consisted of only a 17-page storyline and the majority of acting was improvised around the plot to deliver a certain level of authenticity and youthful awkwardness.

Larry Clark in Spanish, but sweet and non-judgmental

I attended the North American premiere of "Glue" at the Toronto International Film Festival. In a phrase, it's Larry Clark meets Gus Van Sant. But I say that in only the most complimentary of terms. The camera basically follows a 15-year old as he discovers himself. He wonders about his physical development, compares himself to his buddy, and begins to explore his sexuality. The barren expanse of Patagonia is the backdrop, the music of The Violent Femmes (who donated the songs gratis) the appropriately angst-ridden soundtrack.

What makes it so different from most American films is that it's all just so natural. No judgments are made. We only observe through the lens of cinematographer Natasha Braier, as well as writer/director/producer Alexis Dos Santos, who did much of the camera-work himself. It's basically about mid-adolescence told, via voice-over, from the point of view of Lucas (Nahuel Perez Biscayart). Most amazingly, the entire film is improvised. Dos Santos held a Q&A afterward and said that he wrote virtually no dialog at all. There was a 17-page script basically outlining the action. But the three lead actors improvised from start to finish. As it turns out, all three had attended the same acting classes where they learned improv, so they were well-versed in the art and were already friends. And it shows. The chemistry between the teens evokes those awkward years as effectively as any film I've seen.

I asked Nahuel what his most difficult scene was and what was his favorite. I won't get too specific, but he most enjoyed some of the more physical aspects of the relationships he develops with his friends. He was quite honest and his matter-of-fact attitude was endearing. I met him afterward and he was polite and self-confident. When I walked up and told him what a good job he did, he thanked me with the look of a pro. He is from Argentina but speaks decent English. In spite of his young age, he has done 9 films and is something of a teen idol in South America. In the States he'd likely be one of the most sought-after young actors in the business.

If coming-of-age films have become a bit worn in the hands of Hollywood, "Glue" will serve as inspiration and provocation to American filmmakers. It's Larry Clark in Spanish. But sweet and non-judgmental. It will leave you with a smile on your face.