Jauja (2014)
5/10
The little Western that could
9 September 2015
This films begins with the right foot. They use an "old fashion" aspect ratio, a very small aperture and a colorful scene composition. Then during the first 90 minutes of the movie you have a rather interesting western shot in a very old fashion way, say a "the Artist" of westerns. Sadly after the 90 minute mark the movie decides it is an art film, and its all downhill from there on. This is one of those films that make your angry not because it was bad, but because it had so much potential and they screw it up by trying to be pretentious. Some people may say that the movie was supposed to be that way all along and that you are simply not getting it right. But you cant backtrack 90 minutes of movie by setting a different tone 10 minutes from the end. Well unless you are really skillful.

I get the feeling this was going to be a short film, as they over stretch most of the scenes. Maybe as a short film its premise would have worked better. But well, feature film, distribution, prestige, the incentives were all there.

On a final note despite having a good casting and somewhat interesting characters, Viggo Mortensen Spanish had this tick American accent that made you doubt his origin.
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