It is a strange film which is hard to fit any label or classification. It has great merits, but still disappointed my expectations. It also travels through multiple genres not fitting well any of them, for better or worse: gore horror, dark humour comedy, political satire, and even political thriller. Visually, the movie is very nice and Pinochet's portrayal is astonishing (how similar with the military devil makeup turned Jaime Vadell!). I loved all the vampire origin stories in Ancien Régime. It was also quite good to have a timeline drawn through Haiti, Cuba, Russia (Pinoche always against the revolutionaires)... it would be great if it were more explored indeed. The bad character of all members of the family and of the torturer butler was well depicted. However, the film also has serious drawbacks. The script is unbalanced and should have been tighter. Pace is irregular, alternating awesome moments with quite sluggish parts. The behaviour of the characters seemed too inconsistent too, being hard to understand their motivations, and not because they were deceiving them. The interviews by the exorcist nun were slightlty unconvincing as sonething to actually happen, but they did allow the script to mock and denounce a lot the multiple crimes (from corruption to murder) of Pinochet's family and their impunity.
61 Reviews
Something weird from the other dimension
flcntk3-856-98601716 September 2023
Beautifully shot in 99.9% B&W from a very leftist perspective about the eternal legacy of power, corruption, greed and wealth using vampirism as a metaphor. Here the church in the embodiment of a condescending nun, who though in nature should be the liberator of vampire souls, is in reality secretly in pursuit of the same forces through lust. It's really quite bizzare, surreal, expressionistic, kind of incomprehensible and black as black comedy can be. The humor can suddenly jump at you and make you laugh and it has some famous political figures in it to set its political stance. Watch it if you want to experience something mesmerizing but weird from the other dimension.
Mainly weird and more
ppnma16 September 2023
The B/W cinematography is one of the best elements of the movie whilst the nun character is pretty useless because everything just could have unfolded in the same way without it.
Regardless the latter, the performances are great, but I think Chilean audiences should understand in a better way the jokes, allusions to Pinochet family and his actual political history than any other. I think that's not very efficiently worked in the script.
In the other hand what the script does work smartly enough is the relationship between him and his wife Lucia showing clearly who was in charge of everything.
A weird, not fully accomplished but in a way entertaining movie.
Regardless the latter, the performances are great, but I think Chilean audiences should understand in a better way the jokes, allusions to Pinochet family and his actual political history than any other. I think that's not very efficiently worked in the script.
In the other hand what the script does work smartly enough is the relationship between him and his wife Lucia showing clearly who was in charge of everything.
A weird, not fully accomplished but in a way entertaining movie.
Darkly satirical bio-pic done as a horror film
gortx21 September 2023
EL CONDE (2023) - Director Pablo Larrain (SPENCER, NO) grew up in Augusto Pinochet's Chile and has used that backdrop to inform his work, but never so directly as in EL CONDE - although, with a major twist. In EL CONDE (The Count), Larrain makes Pinochet a literal monster: A vampire who, even after death, is still sucking the soul out of the Chilean people.
Larrain, working with frequent screenplay collaborator Guillermo Calderon, has fashioned a true horror film. Gory and full of grotesque scenes, but, at it's core, it's a pitch black satire. It's not the first time that Larrain has taken such a fanciful tack with a 'bio-pic', his fabulous 2016 NERUDA turned the life of the namesake poet into a Film Noir thriller. EL CONDE is narrated in English and compactly traces Pinochet from his youth 250 years prior in France to his reign in Chile from 1973 to 1990 (Pinochet actually did have family roots tracing back to France). The bulk of the story takes place in the years after his official death (2006). Pinochet (Jaime Vadell) is living in a decaying old mansion with his long-time right hand man and butler, Fyodor (Alfredo Castro) and his less than loving wife Lucia (Gloria Munchmeyer). Pinochet's brood of ingrate children have gathered to divy up the family fortune which, in true dictator style, was largely stolen. An accountant, Carmencita (Paula Luchsinger), has been summoned to oversee the financial skulduggery. Carmencita is a nun and she functions as the 'Van Helsing' of the piece. She's also doubles as an Exorcist of sorts.
The movie is shot exquisitely in Black & White by the great Ed Lachman (CAROL, VIRGIN SUICIDES). Lachman's work truly ascends when the Count takes flight sweeping over the landscape like a dark overlord. A later, first flight of a vampire, is one of the most soaring sights in a film this year. The sound work here is exceptional with a surround sound symphony of creaking floors and rotting detritus. The classically based music score adds to the gloom and doom. Visually, Larrain and Lachman make references to films such as Carl Dreyer's JEANNE D'ARC (Actress Luchsinger bears a striking resemblance to Falconetti) and VAMPYR. This count isn't content to just drink the blood of his victims - he consumes their very hearts as well.
The theme of vampirism is an obvious metaphor, but Larrain handles it well, with delicious dark touches. Still, he can't help but let things get a bit too fanciful and drags in everything from Marie Antoinette to the Falklands war to a surprise cameo. It muddies things up a bit and extends the allegory a bit too thin, even as it strikes a strong blow about the permanence of evil.
EL CONDE is a stirring movie, that doesn't fully hit its marks, but it does so with masterly style and intellectual vigor.
Larrain, working with frequent screenplay collaborator Guillermo Calderon, has fashioned a true horror film. Gory and full of grotesque scenes, but, at it's core, it's a pitch black satire. It's not the first time that Larrain has taken such a fanciful tack with a 'bio-pic', his fabulous 2016 NERUDA turned the life of the namesake poet into a Film Noir thriller. EL CONDE is narrated in English and compactly traces Pinochet from his youth 250 years prior in France to his reign in Chile from 1973 to 1990 (Pinochet actually did have family roots tracing back to France). The bulk of the story takes place in the years after his official death (2006). Pinochet (Jaime Vadell) is living in a decaying old mansion with his long-time right hand man and butler, Fyodor (Alfredo Castro) and his less than loving wife Lucia (Gloria Munchmeyer). Pinochet's brood of ingrate children have gathered to divy up the family fortune which, in true dictator style, was largely stolen. An accountant, Carmencita (Paula Luchsinger), has been summoned to oversee the financial skulduggery. Carmencita is a nun and she functions as the 'Van Helsing' of the piece. She's also doubles as an Exorcist of sorts.
The movie is shot exquisitely in Black & White by the great Ed Lachman (CAROL, VIRGIN SUICIDES). Lachman's work truly ascends when the Count takes flight sweeping over the landscape like a dark overlord. A later, first flight of a vampire, is one of the most soaring sights in a film this year. The sound work here is exceptional with a surround sound symphony of creaking floors and rotting detritus. The classically based music score adds to the gloom and doom. Visually, Larrain and Lachman make references to films such as Carl Dreyer's JEANNE D'ARC (Actress Luchsinger bears a striking resemblance to Falconetti) and VAMPYR. This count isn't content to just drink the blood of his victims - he consumes their very hearts as well.
The theme of vampirism is an obvious metaphor, but Larrain handles it well, with delicious dark touches. Still, he can't help but let things get a bit too fanciful and drags in everything from Marie Antoinette to the Falklands war to a surprise cameo. It muddies things up a bit and extends the allegory a bit too thin, even as it strikes a strong blow about the permanence of evil.
EL CONDE is a stirring movie, that doesn't fully hit its marks, but it does so with masterly style and intellectual vigor.
El Conde
henry8-321 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
We discover through the narration of Margaret Thatcher that Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is in fact a 250 year old vampire who has decided it is time to finally die. His loyal butler, also a vampire - an honour bestowed by his boss - flies out at night into Santiago to kill young people and drink their blood. Fearing that their father is responsible and determined to get their inheritance, they hire a nun, Carmen to 'exorcise' and kill him. However Pinochet falls in love with Carmen.
Visually stunning and with a quite beautiful script, this wickedly funny and deeply dark story looking at all these appalling people justifying their existence and all the terrible things they've done is a glorious, albeit very strange treat. The performances by the leads, delivering the gold plated script, are universally excellent and you get really sucked in (I apologise) enjoying the story of this vile man and his family and cohorts. Special mention for Stella Gonet who narrates the whole thing beautifully before putting in an unexpected appearance towards the end - she is magnificent. Unique, deeply weird, grisly, beautiful disturbing and great fun.
Visually stunning and with a quite beautiful script, this wickedly funny and deeply dark story looking at all these appalling people justifying their existence and all the terrible things they've done is a glorious, albeit very strange treat. The performances by the leads, delivering the gold plated script, are universally excellent and you get really sucked in (I apologise) enjoying the story of this vile man and his family and cohorts. Special mention for Stella Gonet who narrates the whole thing beautifully before putting in an unexpected appearance towards the end - she is magnificent. Unique, deeply weird, grisly, beautiful disturbing and great fun.
Blunt Metaphor
atleverton19 September 2023
I picked this movie on a whim, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. It takes a while, but the movie certainly hits you over the head with its metaphor. That those in power, especially neoliberals like Margaret Thatcher, and dictators like Pinochet are vampires. It's certainly not subtle in its critique of power. The plot itself is silly and over the top. The film itself is also silly and over the top. But it's well written, well acted and well directed. I think if you don't know anything about this film before you go into it, it's probably better, but you've read this review, so it's probably too late, and I hope you enjoy it anyway.
For a specific audience
isaacsundaralingam1 February 2024
I'm still not too sure what to make of Pablo Larrain's "El Conde", a movie that while artistically impressive, seemingly has a ton of historical context that's lost on anyone not familiar with the Chilean history it tries to critique and satirize. The obvious is that it portrays Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet as a centuries old vampire, and while what follows could(?) hold a lot of interpretive value to those who are of its ideal target audience, it is almost a gimmick gradually overstaying its welcome to those who aren't.
It's undoubtedly a visual masterpiece, with some of the most surreally beautiful cinematography you'll ever see, and its exploration into themes of power and corruption are amusingly perceptive. But at the end of the day, it feels like "El Conde" was intended for a particular audience who could fully appreciate the movie, and unfortunately to those of us who aren't part of it, it might come across as just another gimmick.
It's undoubtedly a visual masterpiece, with some of the most surreally beautiful cinematography you'll ever see, and its exploration into themes of power and corruption are amusingly perceptive. But at the end of the day, it feels like "El Conde" was intended for a particular audience who could fully appreciate the movie, and unfortunately to those of us who aren't part of it, it might come across as just another gimmick.
A Too Temperamental Satire
LeCronopio5 October 2023
I write somewhat reticent cause I really wanted to like El Conde. Which I kinda did, thus the film has the merits for it. The photography is very powerful and the premise of the story, even its presentation in the first third, is more than effective and engaging. The performances in general are good, and Vadell's is outstanding. But the director makes the mistake of making his voice too strong at times, constantly establishing judgments, as if he doubted the viewer's criterion; bordering on a relentless condescension. The satire became rigorous and aggressive intermittently, but from beginning to end.
This excessiveness, which when used properly can perfectly be a virtue, broke the cohesion of the (amplified) reality that it postulated and ended up disfavoring the effect of the narration. The irreverence of the satire was infected with a somewhat naive denunciatory impetus, and the film ended up saying more than necessary; at times the nature of the portrait was too explicit: it is not necessary to constantly tell us how perfidious these characters are, the story is already doing it.
And it's not that it's a problem to spit the name of a dictator back and forth, cause who cares if an illiterate and delinquent old bum is denigrated. But the narrative tone and the dialogues, influenced by these somewhat emotional accusatory urges, seemed to belong to more than one film. At times to comedy, at times to cinema, at times to a documentary denunciation, at times to a political lecture on morality and ethics: it would have been good if the director had let us infer all this from the story alone; The interactions, the universe, the images that inhabited this unscrupulous and decadent family already managed to synthesize that.
Apart from this, my assessment is kinda positive. The photography is compelling, the storyline is interesting enough, the atmosphere manages to converge with the images, and the dialogues, when they are not so emphatically voluntary and instead seek to favor the narrative above all, made me laugh a few times.
This excessiveness, which when used properly can perfectly be a virtue, broke the cohesion of the (amplified) reality that it postulated and ended up disfavoring the effect of the narration. The irreverence of the satire was infected with a somewhat naive denunciatory impetus, and the film ended up saying more than necessary; at times the nature of the portrait was too explicit: it is not necessary to constantly tell us how perfidious these characters are, the story is already doing it.
And it's not that it's a problem to spit the name of a dictator back and forth, cause who cares if an illiterate and delinquent old bum is denigrated. But the narrative tone and the dialogues, influenced by these somewhat emotional accusatory urges, seemed to belong to more than one film. At times to comedy, at times to cinema, at times to a documentary denunciation, at times to a political lecture on morality and ethics: it would have been good if the director had let us infer all this from the story alone; The interactions, the universe, the images that inhabited this unscrupulous and decadent family already managed to synthesize that.
Apart from this, my assessment is kinda positive. The photography is compelling, the storyline is interesting enough, the atmosphere manages to converge with the images, and the dialogues, when they are not so emphatically voluntary and instead seek to favor the narrative above all, made me laugh a few times.
Artistic Vampire Movie
nekengren-215 September 2023
Very good movie. Probably one of the best "vampire" movies I have seen. Don't expect your normal hack and slash vampire stuff. Quite more sophisticated plot than that. You never know where the movie is headed. Thumbs up.
The black and white cinematography is excellent. The classical music score is excellent. Acting is top notch.
The plot keeps delivering new angles on a politically driven baseline. Key historical figures enter into the plot. I can be certain I didn't get all of the Chilean political references which are buried here.
The humor is very dry and subtle throughout. Just another ingredient that keeps things interesting.
The black and white cinematography is excellent. The classical music score is excellent. Acting is top notch.
The plot keeps delivering new angles on a politically driven baseline. Key historical figures enter into the plot. I can be certain I didn't get all of the Chilean political references which are buried here.
The humor is very dry and subtle throughout. Just another ingredient that keeps things interesting.
Extremely understated satire that's worth a look
lotekguy-122 September 2023
Great premise; oddly executed. Chile's brutal fascistic former leader Pinochet was actually a vampire who started as a soldier in Napoleon's army. This film takes place while he's living in seclusion after faking the death all the world thinks it had witnessed. The Church sends a brilliant young nun there to try saving whatever soul may lie within him, and snatch what she can find among his massive hidden wealth for the Kingdom of God. His non-vampiric wife and five middle-aged children have their own financial aspirations, gathering in anticipation of the REAL death the old guy now wants. Pinochet can't remember where he stashed all the documentation of his global holdings, accounts and investments, so the hunt begins.
This setup could have played out as a zany farce, mocking real-life historic figures, as was done in the delightfully caustic satire, The Death of Stalin (2017). But this pursues a completely opposite comedic direction. It's shot in extremely gloomy B&W, in bleak and barren settings resembling a ghost town in a desert. The lack of color links it to the seminal vampire flicks of the 1930s -'40s, tones down the visceral impact of the gory stuff, and amplifies the craven aspects of human nature. Film students may admire the techniques for sustaining such extreme understatement.
This may unfold too slowly and subtly for many, but the satire hits multiple targets, with a wonderful bonus twist in the last 20 minutes that rewards one's patience.
This setup could have played out as a zany farce, mocking real-life historic figures, as was done in the delightfully caustic satire, The Death of Stalin (2017). But this pursues a completely opposite comedic direction. It's shot in extremely gloomy B&W, in bleak and barren settings resembling a ghost town in a desert. The lack of color links it to the seminal vampire flicks of the 1930s -'40s, tones down the visceral impact of the gory stuff, and amplifies the craven aspects of human nature. Film students may admire the techniques for sustaining such extreme understatement.
This may unfold too slowly and subtly for many, but the satire hits multiple targets, with a wonderful bonus twist in the last 20 minutes that rewards one's patience.
Larrain fails to deliver on intriguing premise with El Conde, a dull satire lacking in bite
laurenspierre23 October 2023
Augusto Pinochet, the infamous Chilean dictator who died in 2006, is actually still alive (or more accurately, undead) today as a 250-year-old vampire with a continuous appetite for human blood. It's the outrageous pitch of El Conde, the new film by Pablo Larrain. Unfortunately, the Chilean director doesn't manage to squeeze enough genuine comedy or intrigue out of his intriguing premise and as a result, this surprisingly uninspired and dull satire never lives up to its potential.
I guess a film that employs the metaphor of Pinochet as a literal bloodsucker who continues to feed of the people of Chile was never going to be very subtle in its commentary, but the attempts at satire in this film felt broad, repetitive and just overall lazy. Because the characters are all presented as one-dimensional, grotesque monsters (some even literally), the one-note jokes at their expense quickly become tired. There's a lot of "look at these dumb, awful people talking so bluntly about the terrible things they've done", which didn't strike me as particularly piercing commentary in the first place and doesn't exactly become funnier when repeated ad nauseam. Ironically, it feels as if the satire in this particular vampire movie lacks bite (I should probably apologize for that lazy joke myself).
Consequently, I was feeling rather indifferent about the film up until the baffling third act, in which the film devolves into outright farce, as a particularly ridiculous reveal is made and the story builds to a completely over the top climax. Like I mentioned, the satire prior to that point hadn't exactly been subtle or sharp, but the hard left turn into pure ridiculousness felt jarring. At this point the film had completely lost me and I was just waiting for it to end.
One thing I did like about this film was the B&W cinematography. I'm not sure this stylistic choice was made for a particular reason, although I could imagine it to be in reference to the classic vampire (or other monster) films from the 1920' and 1930's. In any case, the film sure does look good, especially during some of the scenes when one of the vampires (it eventually turns out Pinochet is not the only undead predator) is flying over the country. Its visual splendor was therefore pretty much the only redeeming factor of this film for me.
However, I still have to conclude that overall, El Conde turned out to be a disappointment. I had high expectations for this film, based on its original premise, but the concept is executed in rather boring fashion and the satire is disappointingly bland and obvious. Furthermore, it was always going to be a difficult task to effectively balance the dark subject matter with fantasy/horror elements and outright comedy and unfortunately, Larrain fails to achieve that delicate balance here, before completely losing his grip on the material in a baffling final act.
I guess a film that employs the metaphor of Pinochet as a literal bloodsucker who continues to feed of the people of Chile was never going to be very subtle in its commentary, but the attempts at satire in this film felt broad, repetitive and just overall lazy. Because the characters are all presented as one-dimensional, grotesque monsters (some even literally), the one-note jokes at their expense quickly become tired. There's a lot of "look at these dumb, awful people talking so bluntly about the terrible things they've done", which didn't strike me as particularly piercing commentary in the first place and doesn't exactly become funnier when repeated ad nauseam. Ironically, it feels as if the satire in this particular vampire movie lacks bite (I should probably apologize for that lazy joke myself).
Consequently, I was feeling rather indifferent about the film up until the baffling third act, in which the film devolves into outright farce, as a particularly ridiculous reveal is made and the story builds to a completely over the top climax. Like I mentioned, the satire prior to that point hadn't exactly been subtle or sharp, but the hard left turn into pure ridiculousness felt jarring. At this point the film had completely lost me and I was just waiting for it to end.
One thing I did like about this film was the B&W cinematography. I'm not sure this stylistic choice was made for a particular reason, although I could imagine it to be in reference to the classic vampire (or other monster) films from the 1920' and 1930's. In any case, the film sure does look good, especially during some of the scenes when one of the vampires (it eventually turns out Pinochet is not the only undead predator) is flying over the country. Its visual splendor was therefore pretty much the only redeeming factor of this film for me.
However, I still have to conclude that overall, El Conde turned out to be a disappointment. I had high expectations for this film, based on its original premise, but the concept is executed in rather boring fashion and the satire is disappointingly bland and obvious. Furthermore, it was always going to be a difficult task to effectively balance the dark subject matter with fantasy/horror elements and outright comedy and unfortunately, Larrain fails to achieve that delicate balance here, before completely losing his grip on the material in a baffling final act.
A Dark Satire
Pairic16 September 2023
El Conde: Pinochet as a 250 year old vampire, born in 1766, he discovers his true nature as an adult and slays the vampire hunters who attempt to stake him. An ardent royalist he rescues the head of Marie Antoinette (after locking her blood from the guillotine blade) and keeps it pickled in a jar. Faking his own death he fights against revolutions throughout the centuries changing his identity and making himself younger time after time. Eventually he ends up in Chile as the young Lieutenant Pinochet, his career proceeds and he overthrows Allende instituting a bloody dictatorship but eventually he falls and is reviled. He fakes his death once more and retires to a country retreat with his wife and faithful butler. He finally wants to die a for real but has forgotten where his ill-gotten gains have been hidden. His five children descend on the estate intent on getting their inheritance. An accountant has been hired to track down the missing loot but she is secretly an Exorcist Nun, But even here there are twists and turns as this is a house built on deceit. Madame Pinochet is truly Lady Macbeth, jealous that she was never given the rewards bestowed by Pinochet on his old army comrade/butler.
Very much a dark/satire comedy, when the Exorcist/Accountant questions Pinochet, his wife and children about their dodgy business dealings the dialogue is based in actual court findings. The horror elements and vampire lore are quire effective. Filmed in monochrome the utter darkness of Pinochet's life (and that of his brood) is well portrayed. Donning his his General's uniform and cape he flies to cities to dine on victims. This vampire prefers to rip out hearts to get the best sustenance. As a modern touch, liquidisers are now used to get the most out of these vital organs. We learn how this vampire sucked the lifeblood from a nation but he portrays himself as a victim who was bribed by crooked businessmen.. There are laughs but there is a danger that they will choke in your throat. Perhaps the real humour is in the identity of the narrator, herself a vampire who flies south in an attempt to save Pinochet from himself. A tad didactic at times which might put some people off nevertheless this is an engrossing tale of evil. Directed by Pablo Larraín, written by Larraín and Guillermo Calderón. On Netflix. 8.5/10.
Very much a dark/satire comedy, when the Exorcist/Accountant questions Pinochet, his wife and children about their dodgy business dealings the dialogue is based in actual court findings. The horror elements and vampire lore are quire effective. Filmed in monochrome the utter darkness of Pinochet's life (and that of his brood) is well portrayed. Donning his his General's uniform and cape he flies to cities to dine on victims. This vampire prefers to rip out hearts to get the best sustenance. As a modern touch, liquidisers are now used to get the most out of these vital organs. We learn how this vampire sucked the lifeblood from a nation but he portrays himself as a victim who was bribed by crooked businessmen.. There are laughs but there is a danger that they will choke in your throat. Perhaps the real humour is in the identity of the narrator, herself a vampire who flies south in an attempt to save Pinochet from himself. A tad didactic at times which might put some people off nevertheless this is an engrossing tale of evil. Directed by Pablo Larraín, written by Larraín and Guillermo Calderón. On Netflix. 8.5/10.
Mnah... almost
johnnmark7 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
In terms of contents and perspective, it takes a shot at the right wing in a pretty gratuitous and unearned way but that's quite trendy nowadays so whatever. I take no points away for that because the filmmakers are entitled to their political views whether or not I agree.
The movie itself was interesting. I feel like the tone and the visual style have a lot of potential but relatively little is delivered. I liked the idea of boldly integrating history into the very irreverent storyline - and sure, the Joan d'Arc analogy was enjoyable but its grand significance escapes me.
I just felt like every element proposed by this movie, be it visual or narrative, landed short of what it itself looked like it could have been. The violent scenes could have looked more interesting. The wide angle lenses could have been used more creatively, the strange, enigmatic, slightly disturbing characters, including the sons and daughters, SHOULD have been more and better developed. The the key dramatic moments like, you know, the killings, the reveals, the twists, should have resonated louder, and they would have, for one, had they made more sense, in a more complex way to the plot.
The movie is definitely special and tried something different. And that deserves points. But, interestingly, this wasn't clear from the start. I did write down in my notebook around 30 to 40 minutes in "is this movie an excuse to do the cinematography?" and "seems to try to be interesting using obsolete eye-innovations". So it definitely didn't rush to convince me of anything and only by the last 30 minutes did I feel a little content having watched it, but not much so.
Oh, and, I actually particularly liked the editing :)
Dans l'ensemble, comme ci, comme ça...
The movie itself was interesting. I feel like the tone and the visual style have a lot of potential but relatively little is delivered. I liked the idea of boldly integrating history into the very irreverent storyline - and sure, the Joan d'Arc analogy was enjoyable but its grand significance escapes me.
I just felt like every element proposed by this movie, be it visual or narrative, landed short of what it itself looked like it could have been. The violent scenes could have looked more interesting. The wide angle lenses could have been used more creatively, the strange, enigmatic, slightly disturbing characters, including the sons and daughters, SHOULD have been more and better developed. The the key dramatic moments like, you know, the killings, the reveals, the twists, should have resonated louder, and they would have, for one, had they made more sense, in a more complex way to the plot.
The movie is definitely special and tried something different. And that deserves points. But, interestingly, this wasn't clear from the start. I did write down in my notebook around 30 to 40 minutes in "is this movie an excuse to do the cinematography?" and "seems to try to be interesting using obsolete eye-innovations". So it definitely didn't rush to convince me of anything and only by the last 30 minutes did I feel a little content having watched it, but not much so.
Oh, and, I actually particularly liked the editing :)
Dans l'ensemble, comme ci, comme ça...
Disappointing
grantss6 October 2023
Augusto Pinochet, the former Chilean dictator, wants to die. Problem is, he's a vampire, which makes things quite difficult. Having lived for over 200 years, experienced the French Revolution as a young French army officer, several other historic events, settled down in Chile, worked his way to the top, ruled ruthlessly and opulently and now been hounded by people seeking the truth, he's feeling a bit jaded. His family, on the other hand, are looking forward to their inheritance.
I watched this because the main premise of this movie - Augusto Pinochet is a 200+ year old vampire - intrigued me. However, that novelty wears off pretty quickly. There's still some good dark comedy throughout the film centred around this but not enough to sustain the intrigue that this initially created.
More than being about Pinochet being a vampire, it's the fact that he's over it all and wants to die that is the spine of the plot. This works well, initially, but quickly gets bogged down as it seems to go around in circles, making no progress.
That pretty much sums up the movie: much promise, with initial premises, plots and sub-plots that offer heaps of potential but go nowhere, slowly. It all feels so tedious and pointless.
Even a very left-field twist towards the end can't lift this above mediocre. Very disappointing.
I watched this because the main premise of this movie - Augusto Pinochet is a 200+ year old vampire - intrigued me. However, that novelty wears off pretty quickly. There's still some good dark comedy throughout the film centred around this but not enough to sustain the intrigue that this initially created.
More than being about Pinochet being a vampire, it's the fact that he's over it all and wants to die that is the spine of the plot. This works well, initially, but quickly gets bogged down as it seems to go around in circles, making no progress.
That pretty much sums up the movie: much promise, with initial premises, plots and sub-plots that offer heaps of potential but go nowhere, slowly. It all feels so tedious and pointless.
Even a very left-field twist towards the end can't lift this above mediocre. Very disappointing.
Zany Chilean horror
dweston-3866916 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It begins well, with a absurd sense of humor mocking the Pinochet regime and his lasting legacy(which is referenced throughout the film) in the years after his death. I especially laughed at his eyes opening whilst in the glass coffin as unsuspecting mourners walked past offering their condolences to his ' dead' body.
I also liked how Margret Thatcher narrated the film - as she was an ally to this murderous beast in his lifetime-I've always thought her voice comical and here the actress plays her highlighting the stupidity of the whole endeavor with solemn seriousness.
Where the film fails is the middle section where it becomes draggy and talky until finally, moderately, picking up in the last act.
The black and white photography, moving camera and acting are all top notch and seeing the vampiric Pinochet flying through the air at night is a humorous , over the top touch.
Chilean writer/director Pablo Larrain's best film I've seen is the equally bonkers psychological horror/drama 'Spenser', which had more depth, heart and a solid sympathetic performance by Kirsten Stewart.
I also liked how Margret Thatcher narrated the film - as she was an ally to this murderous beast in his lifetime-I've always thought her voice comical and here the actress plays her highlighting the stupidity of the whole endeavor with solemn seriousness.
Where the film fails is the middle section where it becomes draggy and talky until finally, moderately, picking up in the last act.
The black and white photography, moving camera and acting are all top notch and seeing the vampiric Pinochet flying through the air at night is a humorous , over the top touch.
Chilean writer/director Pablo Larrain's best film I've seen is the equally bonkers psychological horror/drama 'Spenser', which had more depth, heart and a solid sympathetic performance by Kirsten Stewart.
Another one for the Netflix sea
TheVictoriousV18 September 2023
I've joked before that Count Dracula hasn't had the best year (see my reviews of Renfield and The Last Voyage of the Demeter). Well, here is Pablo Larrain's El Conde (or The Count), which is a pretty good film about a vampire who is, I guess, also a count.
As exciting as cinema continues to be (in spite of the SAG-AFTRA strike inspiring studios to Do The Wrong Thing and delay a number of releases), with much hype around the upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon as well as plenty of festival buzz around the likes of Lanthimos, Fincher, Triet, Miyazaki, et al., El Conde sticks out as being done pretty dirty.
Here is a film by a highly gifted filmmaker (2021's Spencer, 2016's Jackie, 2012's No) that was praised at Venice Film Festival, only to then get thrown into the Netflix sea with little notice. That makes it easier for more people to see it, of course, but it's bound to get drowned in the content glut.
Besides, even if we pretend for a moment that people really did get inspired to watch more "foreign" (non-Hollywood) films during the COVID-induced content drought, I don't know if very many people will be enticed by the premise. When the synopsis asks "What if Pinochet was really a centuries-old vampire? Wouldn't that be funny?", I reckon most would respond "Pino-who?" (To some, Pinochet's coup-d'etat, presidency, and death will seem like basic-b*tch knowledge, but keep in mind, the Netflix audience consists of the people who don't know where *insert literally anything here* is located on a map.)
Even if you know your history, I'd be lying if I said the film is consistently all that funny. I'm also a bit bemused by the decision to have a narrator who speaks English while the rest of the movie is in Spanish, even if, when we finally got to see who the Englishwoman in question actually was, I chuckled.
Regardless, the film is entertaining and its production design and cinematography are both seminal, achieving a look that's worthy of the vampire classics of old -- and also The Passion of Joan of Arc at certain moments. Still, I'm thinking I'll get my true fix with Eggers' Nosferatu remake.
As exciting as cinema continues to be (in spite of the SAG-AFTRA strike inspiring studios to Do The Wrong Thing and delay a number of releases), with much hype around the upcoming Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon as well as plenty of festival buzz around the likes of Lanthimos, Fincher, Triet, Miyazaki, et al., El Conde sticks out as being done pretty dirty.
Here is a film by a highly gifted filmmaker (2021's Spencer, 2016's Jackie, 2012's No) that was praised at Venice Film Festival, only to then get thrown into the Netflix sea with little notice. That makes it easier for more people to see it, of course, but it's bound to get drowned in the content glut.
Besides, even if we pretend for a moment that people really did get inspired to watch more "foreign" (non-Hollywood) films during the COVID-induced content drought, I don't know if very many people will be enticed by the premise. When the synopsis asks "What if Pinochet was really a centuries-old vampire? Wouldn't that be funny?", I reckon most would respond "Pino-who?" (To some, Pinochet's coup-d'etat, presidency, and death will seem like basic-b*tch knowledge, but keep in mind, the Netflix audience consists of the people who don't know where *insert literally anything here* is located on a map.)
Even if you know your history, I'd be lying if I said the film is consistently all that funny. I'm also a bit bemused by the decision to have a narrator who speaks English while the rest of the movie is in Spanish, even if, when we finally got to see who the Englishwoman in question actually was, I chuckled.
Regardless, the film is entertaining and its production design and cinematography are both seminal, achieving a look that's worthy of the vampire classics of old -- and also The Passion of Joan of Arc at certain moments. Still, I'm thinking I'll get my true fix with Eggers' Nosferatu remake.
Could have been epic
klm-611198 December 2023
I very much wanted to give this movie a more positive review because it has so much potential however it needs too much help. The basics are all there in that the plot has merit and interesting reviling twists, revaluations and possibilities. However the writing needed much more to flesh out all the characters and refine the plot.
The scenes are well set up and shot in black and white further enhancing the whole mood but if just even some physical makeup special effects would have been added for instance to de-age the vampires it would have helped.
In closing the least that should have been done was a script with less rambling, better focus and the viewer ratings would double.
The scenes are well set up and shot in black and white further enhancing the whole mood but if just even some physical makeup special effects would have been added for instance to de-age the vampires it would have helped.
In closing the least that should have been done was a script with less rambling, better focus and the viewer ratings would double.
Mundane satire
masonsaul16 September 2023
Making real life evil even more monstrous through satire, El Conde may not be a particularly sharp satire, instead choosing to go for easy targets and executing them really well with a complete lack of subtlety and gore that's effectively desensitised.
Jaime Vadell is effortless in portraying Pinochet's absolute lack of care or regret towards the atrocities he committed and his constant boredom is funny. Paula Luchsinger has an incredible level of enthusiasm, extremely overt in communicating her plans to disrupt the family and clearly enjoying it.
Pablo Larraín's direction is mundane in the best ways, even its most surreal elements are mostly executed with a complete and intentional lack of wonder, enhanced by the black and white photography which means even the gore feels deliberately mundane.
Jaime Vadell is effortless in portraying Pinochet's absolute lack of care or regret towards the atrocities he committed and his constant boredom is funny. Paula Luchsinger has an incredible level of enthusiasm, extremely overt in communicating her plans to disrupt the family and clearly enjoying it.
Pablo Larraín's direction is mundane in the best ways, even its most surreal elements are mostly executed with a complete and intentional lack of wonder, enhanced by the black and white photography which means even the gore feels deliberately mundane.
Fun watch, falters on plot resolution
Hughmanity10 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A very interesting premise of Augustus Pinochet as a 250 year old vampire that wants to die (until he doesn't) is a compelling start and the beautifully shot black and white cinematography and fun side characters held my interest in this movie despite a low budget and 2 hour run time.
Carmencita's unexpected and rather easy flip to the dark side was a bit disappointing to me as she was so self assured for the first 3/4 of the movie as she picked apart the Pinochet family with a verbal rapier. She finally confronts Pinochet and it lasts all of 10 seconds before she wants to be a vampire?? Then I thought maybe that was part of her or the church's plan but she spends the rest of the movie flying a bit and then is beheaded. It really seemed like a wasted effort for her character which was compelling up to that point.
Anyway this movie had 9 potential but it kind of fell apart late on plot, so I couldn't do better than a 7.
Carmencita's unexpected and rather easy flip to the dark side was a bit disappointing to me as she was so self assured for the first 3/4 of the movie as she picked apart the Pinochet family with a verbal rapier. She finally confronts Pinochet and it lasts all of 10 seconds before she wants to be a vampire?? Then I thought maybe that was part of her or the church's plan but she spends the rest of the movie flying a bit and then is beheaded. It really seemed like a wasted effort for her character which was compelling up to that point.
Anyway this movie had 9 potential but it kind of fell apart late on plot, so I couldn't do better than a 7.
Love or hate
ajmcobb17 September 2023
My first review here.
When I first spotted the title on Netflix, I was intrigued and immediately looked at the reviews. The mix of positive and negative comments told me this could be one of those love or hate movies, possibly a low budget one. The fact that its a vampire horror movie I immediately watched it.
I did not regret it. This movie is different, dark and has a dry sense of humour. It is also quite violent and has an interesting plot, which I will not spoil here. I love the dark atmosphere and historical vibe. I flinched a couple of times, especially during the scenes of the french revolution.
Because this movie is not everyone's cup of tea and so different from the mainstream, I would recommend you watch it. The dialogues and acting is superb.
When I first spotted the title on Netflix, I was intrigued and immediately looked at the reviews. The mix of positive and negative comments told me this could be one of those love or hate movies, possibly a low budget one. The fact that its a vampire horror movie I immediately watched it.
I did not regret it. This movie is different, dark and has a dry sense of humour. It is also quite violent and has an interesting plot, which I will not spoil here. I love the dark atmosphere and historical vibe. I flinched a couple of times, especially during the scenes of the french revolution.
Because this movie is not everyone's cup of tea and so different from the mainstream, I would recommend you watch it. The dialogues and acting is superb.
Count Chocula's Chilean Spice
amyt-7382012 February 2024
Color me Intrigued with this Black & White shot Epic with a Cretenious plot. The Screenplay drafts an Allegory between Vampirism with Power & Politics, and how its a souless void ready to feed off anyone under its grasp.
Augusto (whom from here on will be called Count Chocula or CC) is a Man past his prime, past his wits & way past his will to live - As a Discliplined Soldier, A commanding Leader & the sole Patriach of his home for the last 250 years. CC has lost his apetite for juicy necks & beastly urge to Hunt to the point he is refusing to consume Blood. Obsessively letting go of a life that has been tiring, boring & disappointed lately - a thought not shared by his family, who still wait in line to be turned vampires themselves, yet demands & relishes to be called El Conde / The Count, by them.
With some Chilean History, English Narration in a language film, Nuns with an Exorcism over mind & Margaret Thatcher -- this Avant Garde Western is able to mix The Spicy Family Drama & Slice of (un) Life with Dark Chocolaty Humour.
The Sombre with the hints of Malignant Classical music, and the masterfully shot scene of a Vampire's flight near the end of the movie cements the movie as a nomination for this year's Oscar.
Augusto (whom from here on will be called Count Chocula or CC) is a Man past his prime, past his wits & way past his will to live - As a Discliplined Soldier, A commanding Leader & the sole Patriach of his home for the last 250 years. CC has lost his apetite for juicy necks & beastly urge to Hunt to the point he is refusing to consume Blood. Obsessively letting go of a life that has been tiring, boring & disappointed lately - a thought not shared by his family, who still wait in line to be turned vampires themselves, yet demands & relishes to be called El Conde / The Count, by them.
With some Chilean History, English Narration in a language film, Nuns with an Exorcism over mind & Margaret Thatcher -- this Avant Garde Western is able to mix The Spicy Family Drama & Slice of (un) Life with Dark Chocolaty Humour.
The Sombre with the hints of Malignant Classical music, and the masterfully shot scene of a Vampire's flight near the end of the movie cements the movie as a nomination for this year's Oscar.
Good idea, hot mess
PedroPires901 October 2023
Interesting concept, with good (though sometimes overly thin and obvious) political and social commentary, and great cinematography. However, that's where the positives end.
The film falls short of its potential; the second act is completely stale, and not even the humorously absurd reveal in the third act can rescue it from its tediousness. Very bad as a vampire film, empty as a satire, unable to create any kind of connection with the audience.
Larraín has the American critics on his side - lol they always are when they find a new foreign director, staying with them and only those 2/3 foreign directors forever - but this is a hot mess.
The film falls short of its potential; the second act is completely stale, and not even the humorously absurd reveal in the third act can rescue it from its tediousness. Very bad as a vampire film, empty as a satire, unable to create any kind of connection with the audience.
Larraín has the American critics on his side - lol they always are when they find a new foreign director, staying with them and only those 2/3 foreign directors forever - but this is a hot mess.
Looking for "DIFFERENT"? Stop Looking & WATCH EL CONDE!!!
Tony-Kiss-Castillo21 September 2023
I have seen thousands of Films.... Almost NEVER, after watching one, can I say... "WOW!... This Movie REALLY did NOT remind me of ANY OTHER!"
Hmmmmm.... Just WHERE.... to BEGIN!?!?!?
Let´s tackle what is EASY first.... Black & White photography... Very appropriate choice! Makes for a Movie reminiscent of those CLASSIC horror films of the 30´s & 40´s!
It is... Of Course... A CHILEAN Film! Perhaps I am going out on a limb just a bit here... But having tutored a score of Chilean students during my 12 Years spent living in Orlando... Presenting Augusto Pinochet as a Blood Thirsty Vampire will bring quite an ironic smile to most Chilean faces... and to those of many other Hispanics... As well as to Non-Hispanics, I´m sure!
Production values were extremely high! Since EL CONDE was basically produced for NETFLIX, my hat is off to their obvious participation and surpervision... A most well deserved...KUDOS!!! Editing, Cinematography, Sets and Set Decoration, Casting, and all other production elements... ALL IMPECCABLE!
And... Talk about an ORIGINAL STORY!!! Absolutely INSPIRED! Just no other word for the incredibly bizarre combination of utterly disparate elements that genuinely place EL CONDE in a stand alone category I would venture to say is found in but, Perhaps, a handful out of a THOUSAND other films!!!
What a superb ensemble Cast! Exquisite Performances that seemed so spot on believable and natural! Just watch and You will see how just how stunningly fleshed out each and every characterization is!
Racking my brain for something.... ANYTHING... NEGATIVE about EL CONDE!?!? All I can come up with is this: If You cannot wrap Your head around the totally off-the-wall basic premise of Augusto Pinochet the VAMPIRE... It probably will result in Your inability to just RELAX and ENJOY the Movie!
So... PLEASE! Bear that in mind... Should You decide to WATCH!
ENJOY!/DISFRUTELA!
Hmmmmm.... Just WHERE.... to BEGIN!?!?!?
Let´s tackle what is EASY first.... Black & White photography... Very appropriate choice! Makes for a Movie reminiscent of those CLASSIC horror films of the 30´s & 40´s!
It is... Of Course... A CHILEAN Film! Perhaps I am going out on a limb just a bit here... But having tutored a score of Chilean students during my 12 Years spent living in Orlando... Presenting Augusto Pinochet as a Blood Thirsty Vampire will bring quite an ironic smile to most Chilean faces... and to those of many other Hispanics... As well as to Non-Hispanics, I´m sure!
Production values were extremely high! Since EL CONDE was basically produced for NETFLIX, my hat is off to their obvious participation and surpervision... A most well deserved...KUDOS!!! Editing, Cinematography, Sets and Set Decoration, Casting, and all other production elements... ALL IMPECCABLE!
And... Talk about an ORIGINAL STORY!!! Absolutely INSPIRED! Just no other word for the incredibly bizarre combination of utterly disparate elements that genuinely place EL CONDE in a stand alone category I would venture to say is found in but, Perhaps, a handful out of a THOUSAND other films!!!
What a superb ensemble Cast! Exquisite Performances that seemed so spot on believable and natural! Just watch and You will see how just how stunningly fleshed out each and every characterization is!
Racking my brain for something.... ANYTHING... NEGATIVE about EL CONDE!?!? All I can come up with is this: If You cannot wrap Your head around the totally off-the-wall basic premise of Augusto Pinochet the VAMPIRE... It probably will result in Your inability to just RELAX and ENJOY the Movie!
So... PLEASE! Bear that in mind... Should You decide to WATCH!
ENJOY!/DISFRUTELA!
NOT SO FARFETCHED A CONCEPT...?
masonfisk20 March 2024
Pablo Larrain's (Jackie/Neruda) latest from last year airing as a Netflix original. Positing the theory that the real former despot Augusto Pinochet, Jaime Vadell, was a vampire created during the reign of Marie Antoinette, we then follow him as he in later years while in exile w/his extended family pines for his own death as the prospect of continuing living as an immortal has soured him. Meanwhile his kids, only caring about what they have coming to them financially, each wonder when the proverbial boot of betrayal will drop when they hire a nun posing as a forensic accountant to put dear old dad out of his misery but the prospect of having this young blood around him (who is more fascinated than in fear) sets Vadell to go out at night, complete in military garb, to feed making him rethink his ultimate plans even though his loyal butler, Alfredo Castro, & familiar, himself a vampire, has his own agenda as well. Shot in glorious black & white (nominated for an Oscar this year) & gleefully embracing its 'what if'-ness makes this a thoroughly humorous viewing w/the precepts of history thrown in a blender which may confirm some beliefs from his countrymen as to the lineage of the tyrant.
Count Mediocre
yusufpiskin3 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A good subject, good technical possibilities and a wasted movie.
Unfortunately, Pablo Larraín, to whom Netflix pinned its hopes and gave full control after No, Spencer and Jackie, could not go beyond making an expensive mediocre movie.
Costumes, location choices, workmanship of the art team, sound design, cinematography... Everything is magnificent, but when the film comes together, the result is unfortunately bad.
If I were the Count, I would die of boredom watching this movie.
And the most important thing; A Chilean film should not have English narration for whatever reason.
But even this is not a reason to save the movie from mediocrity.
Unfortunately, Pablo Larraín, to whom Netflix pinned its hopes and gave full control after No, Spencer and Jackie, could not go beyond making an expensive mediocre movie.
Costumes, location choices, workmanship of the art team, sound design, cinematography... Everything is magnificent, but when the film comes together, the result is unfortunately bad.
If I were the Count, I would die of boredom watching this movie.
And the most important thing; A Chilean film should not have English narration for whatever reason.
But even this is not a reason to save the movie from mediocrity.
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