In Your Absence (2008) User Reviews

An unusual and touching film.

[Uneken · 7/10 · 13 October 2008]

The film "En tu Ausencia" is the debut of composer/filmmaker Iván Noel. I have personally witnessed from relatively close by the ongoing battle to get this film shot, edited and distributed and I can bear testimony of what a nightmare the process has been for Noel. He sold his house and used the money to make the film (and not starve whilst at it), but this is only a minor detail compared to all the disasters that befell on his way to having a feature film under his belt. If I had known, I would have shot a "making of", which would have compared well with "Lost in la Mancha", the main difference being that "Ausencia" finally made it to the theaters and on DVD's. And what justice is being done by allowing people to see this film! How talent and perseverance have resulted in a lush and utterly moving work of art. Where Almodovar captures from within the decadence and surrealism of Spain's capital Madrid, Noel has fallen in love with down to dry earth Andalusia. He offers us a unique and intimate view of real Andalusian people in their isolated world, while at the same time touching upon universal themes such as friendship, parenthood, coming of age, sexuality and betrayal. Set in the Arcadian landscape of springtime Southern Spain, the local actors (most of them young first time performers) behave as their own nature dictates, within the parameters of the story, closely directed by Noel. It is here that Noel excels: the visuals of the film are well above average of most Hollywood shows, the story is ingenuous and captivating, but the performances of the actors drawn out by intense direction are so direct and real that they touch the viewer as if he were participating in the story. Music (composed by Noel, who started pro life as a musician) beautifully accentuates and supports emotions evoked by the scenes, where impressionist images are followed by starkly realistic ones, although the film always draws upon our own imagination and experiences to complete the picture. A highly original film!

A striking setting and unusual, ambiguous situation

[Chris Knipp · 8/10 · 24 March 2009]

The director says for this first film he gave his all, sold his house and spent $500,000 to make it with mostly non-actors in a beautiful part of Andalucia. Noel is good with the camera, with landscape, with improvisation, and with music, which he composed (he plays guitar). He uses simple elements, a mysterious man arriving with a broken-down car, a 13-year old boy missing a father, a flirty girl, a nosy postman--but the drama becomes quite complicated.

I'm not sure all the dots get connected or all final tragedies are necessary, but the ambiguous situation of the boy bonding with the man and the suspicious villagers feels original.

The director came to Spain (from where?) and settled in Andalucia 13 years ago to study Flamenco guitar. He has a recording studio, composes and plays multiple instruments, and also teaches music and drama in schools. The young actors in the film including his talented teen star Gonzalo Sanchez Salas, he trained in acting workshops for months before shooting the film.

'En tu ausencia' was in some festivals including Vancouver (2008) and Palm Springs (2009) but went straight to DVD in the US. It would be nice if Noel were able to make more features after this promising beginning.

Few films are as good as this

[berenshill · 8/10 · 17 August 2015]

Wonderfully absorbing film, beautifully shot in southern Spain with some subtlety simple performances from what are by all accounts local people. The landscape compositions are that of a painter and the use of light outstanding. Yes, I really love this film.

It is a shame therefore to have to make adverse criticisms. The film was shot over a period of one year. That is a long time but especially so when your lead actor is eleven years old. Couple that with some glaring continuity errors: The boy's socks change colour within the same scene on several occasions.

As for the ambiguity I would not criticize that; it forces the viewer to think. I don't understand Spanish so I suspect I'm missing out on quite a lot, but then the film couldn't really have been made anywhere else, such are the locations so integral to the whole.

Tender Times

[rikpaint · 10/10 · 13 June 2009]

In Your Absence is a wonderful film that beautiful recreates that tender time when growing up is confusing and full of pain. Shot, remarkably on a very modest camera, with incredible composition this is a film as visually appealing as it is compelling. So many time we hear how the location is another character in a film, but this time one can really believe it, the stunning scenery is not just chocolate box cover imagery with actors plopped in front of it, but imagery that truly helps push the narrative forward. Cast with non-professional actors, who all live in around the same gorgeous hills and valleys where the story unfolds, they bring a credibility to this film that transcends normal improvised films. Ivan Noel has crafted a persuasive story with a cinematic style that is truly a love of labor. When one hears the director also wrote the script, composed the music, worked the camera and edit the film – one normally runs for the exit. But Ivan Noel deserves the title auteur. Put this on your must see list.

An independent Spanish gem

[wjajh · 10/10 · 12 November 2008]

As a lover of the Andalusian countryside and people 'En Tu Ausenia' was an essential movie to see and I was not disappointed. The photography and rawness of the actors (all novices, I believe) added to a delicate coming of age storyline of family and human awareness, sensitively directed by Ivan Noel. The cast of locals brought such a natural realism to the story that at times I felt I was actually there! The music interpreted and complimented each scene so perfectly.. (I hope the music is one day released on CD) The visual beauty of the movie, along with the engaging storyline and creative directing (is Sr. Noel a cinematic disciple of Monet?)makes 'En Tu Ausenia' a must see ..especially for the followers of independent Spanish movies.

" The Ghosts which haunt us, arise from the Guilt we create "

[thinker1691 · 10/10 · 15 April 2013]

Movies' today are the results of someone's quest for entertainment. However, they can also reveal the universal search for truth which leaves an indelible impression on the human soul. Of all the inner virtues which have a duel purpose, Love is one which can either comfort or destroy those who seek it. And yet, it's the one power we have the least control over. This remarkable film was written and directed by the very talented Ivan Noel. The movie tells the moving story of Pablo Benitez (Gonzalo Sanchez Salas) who one day encounters a stranded stranger named Paco, (Francisco Alfonsin) who's car breaks down near his tiny village. Were it not for a very nosy postman (Antonio Sanchez) who begins to circulate rumors, few would know of the man's arrival. As it is, within days the entire population becomes aware of him. Adding to Pablo's daily life is Julia (Ana Tutor) who amuses herself with his friendship and sexual education. However, Paco's real reason for the arrival concerns Pablo's mother, (Anabel Azuar) one which Pablo is unaware of. The entire misunderstanding is sure to confuse the viewing audience, unless we pay close attention. The movie allows us to share the inner conflicts of youthful adolescence, challenged by life's decisions concerning Love, hate and the trapping of innocent mistakes. This being Salas' first movie, it is easy to understand how he gives such a powerful performance with such youthful exuberance. Indeed, the entire cast should be proud of their efforts. Their combined talents with the guidance of their creative, masterful and artistic director have assured us with a visual Masterpiece which in time will be seen as a true Classic. ****

The most professional indie film I have seen.

[gerryfashion · 10/10 · 9 March 2010]

I read a so-called 'review' below, which seems inspired by some bizarre personal grudge, rather than lucidity. Better they stick to 'Spiderman', and leave indie reviews for others. I have followed the course of this spectacularly beautiful film since it first came out. But just sticking to facts: I doubt the film would have been selected over tens of thousands of other films in the most important festivals of the world, if it had been 'amateur'! What a silly comment. Seattle, Vancouver, Palm Springs, it was voted one of the top films in Vancouver. Reviews have been outstanding right across the board, by professional critics in various countries. What is most striking about the film is the amazing naturalness of the acting, which they all refer to. So when one refers to 'skit' level acting, it is clear they are either an envious failed director, or have another agenda. The screenplay itself is one of the most sensitive portrayals of youth I have come across, full of subtleties, which, yes, I can see some more 'hollywood-style' persons might not catch on to. Well done Mr Noel, and ignore the sub-standard reviews like the one below. IMDb is a free and very 'popular' medium where the lowest minds even try to contribute. If the trailer is anything to go by, his second film looks to be even more promising. I'll leave you with what they said on the films first showing: 'Director Noel shoots the gloriously sunlit countryside around the village of Jerez with the eye of a painter while showing his expertise at playing with audience expectations. It is this sure-handed way with what turns out to be a surprising narrative, the naturalism of the local townspeople in their first acting roles, and the almost dangerous sensuality of the cinematography, that marks In Your Absence as a very impressive first film.'

Stand alone gem

[taner86 · 10/10 · 25 March 2009]

In the context of the "world wide cinema" intellectual recession - this film stands out as a gem. The movie must not be told in any details prior to watching it-is my view. Comments around the technical aspect of movie making should be harmless though: Having to disposal high tech digital equipment these days - I would have expected more of an art work/play around the nude scenes, body shapes and more attention to lighting elsewhere. At this level of an art - more play with lights would further benefit the overall appearance of the movie which otherwise is well outside of the guttersnipes' consumption anyway. At times the contrasts on faces were on the "sharp side of things". Employing "counter soft" lighting would give that extra feel of excellently made portraits. That's on technical side of things. The film stands still firm at 10 points though since “Rambo” style movies gets also the same scores :-). Majority of films on the subject are made based on the far reaching consultations with the psycho/sociological professional teams. The result of such “out of touch with reality” studies is always a sterile movie. Such movies are indeed analytical at best. To describe this movie as such ( as i read here and there) is a brave business to provoke to be laughed at. In my view, it is not possible to make this movie without the natural inspiration on the theme flowing from within the director's heart. It almost feels as if it is an autobiographical story although the director doesn’t say that. How otherwise one could know what is inside an adolescent ripped apart by the fate. And all of it in such minute details? This film is what an art is all about and it is great news to hear that the director is working on another movie around the same theme. In the event - I can’t wait to see his "Brecha". ”En tu aucencia” is an absolute must to see. Well, at least by the better part of our society members.

Some questions

[kev17-885-804432 · 9/10 · 31 December 2010]

Did Pablo intentionally withdraw the ladder or had not he seen that his father was on the roof of the home? Does Pablo see in the stranger a father of substitution or did he feel for him an "homosexual" attraction? Did Julia tease the postman and was her consenting(anyway it is a sexual abuse) or was it a rape? Thank you for answers and excuse my bad English.

Decors and pictures of this film sound splendid. Comments are very sober but very significant. The character of Julia is is possible be too much caricature. I do not believe a 14-year-old girl be able to act so? Stage of the pseudo rape under the eyes of the grandfather is a bit" borderline" .The character of Pablo is very lovable. I deeply recommend this film.