The opening night film for the 2011 La Mirada Film Festival was the romantic drama Medianeras (aka Sidewalls), the debut feature from writer/director Gustavo Tarreto, who has made a lot of short films in his native Argentina. Medianeras is based on his own award winning 2005 short film, and tells the story of Martin and Mariana, two people living in separate apartments within the same block in Buenos Aires. They are unaware of each other's presence, even though they occasionally cross paths during their busy days. But it takes a chance connection to bring them together. The film superbly captures that sense of isolation and loneliness of living in a thriving metropolis. It also explores those random connections that can change a person's life. However, the film starts slowly with a dry lecture on architecture and the role it plays in shaping the rhythm and life of a city. It has been evocatively shot by cinematographer Leandro Martinez, and it develops a nice rhythm eventually. The central cast featuring Pilar Lopez de Ayala and Javier Drolas is also attractive. However, this slow paced drama is a little frustrating at times, and is an odd choice for opening night as it lacks any sort of grand cinematic moments.
Sidewalls
(2011)
superbly captures that sense of isolation and loneliness of living in a thriving metropolis
16 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers