Torremolinos 73

"Torremolinos 73" starts out looking like just another dreary dirge about the down-on-his-luck salesman whose soul is being crushed by the emptiness of his existence. Alfredo is struggling to provide for his wife, but failing. Door-to-door sales are being phased out.

Not to worry--his employer has an alternate plan. They will produce "scientific" films about Spanish reproduction customs for sales in Scandinavia.

I don't want to relate any more of the action, but the story turns into a light-hearted comedy about a married couple who truly love each other. By following an odd pathway--spurred by their need for money--they manage to achieve what each wants from life.

Some of the best touches are the use of iconic cinematic images in the filming of the titular film within this film.

Though some reviewers focus on political commentary within the film, this film can be enjoyed on a purely comedic level. Javier Camera, who plays Alfredo, is an affable everyman. Candela Pena, as his wife Carmen, is an unassuming woman who longs for the simple things in life. Together they are a likable couple whose happiness springs from their love for each other.

Pablo Berger, the director of "Torremolinos 73", takes us back to the Spain of the seventies when Franco was still around and where he sets the scene for this satire about the clandestine porno industry. Mr. Berger also wrote the screen play, that at times is mildly amusing by the situation he creates. If you haven't seen the movie, please stop reading here.

We first see Alfredo trying to sell books door to door without much success. His boss calls his staff and informs a new revamping in the business. He is going to start a series of experimental films about sex education that will be marketed abroad. The employees are shocked, and only Alfredo and his wife Carmen, and another man, agree to participate. Carmen wants to have children, which seems not to come to her and Alfredo.

Carmen becomes a favorite sight in the Scandinavian countries, and she is even as identified in a department store in Madrid by one of her fans. Since their Scandinavian instructors keep on quoting the great Ingmar Bergman, Alfredo decides to make his own film that parallels "The Seventh Seal". The shooting is in an empty hotel in Torremolinos where Alfredo and his crew are seen filming the movie in the artistic black and white, but suddenly Carlos, the money man, wants a bit of sex in the picture. Alfredo is shocked because since he is not participating, Carmen will have to perform with the leading man! Javier Camera, who was so good in "Talk to Her" plays Alfredo, the book peddler turned porno film director. Candela Peña makes a good suffering Carmen who is lured into the scheme because of necessity. Juan Diego is seen as Alfredo's boss.

The film has a faded look that blends well with the period its trying to reproduce. The film has some funny moments.

Spanish Cinema has a fairly different wave and it is pleasant to see such movies coming from the new directors with different content & storytelling.

"Torremolinos 73" is an honest movie, as a débutant Pablo Berger has come up with something amusing and solemn.

Set in 1973, an encyclopedia salesman Alfredo who sells it door-by door is not able to meet his ends. He has been given only an alternative by his chief – to make adult movies with wife Carmen or leave the company. After some dithering, they reluctantly accept the proposal and it starts the journey of ecstasy & agony.

Using fade colors, it gives a feel of 70's with some good dialogs and funny situations. Javier Cámara is good as a Bergman's admirer (camera Buff), Candela Peña is incredible as a timid person having some desires to fulfill.

Recommended

7.5/10

When I saw the poster of "Torremolinos 73" at my favorite movie theater, it was clear: I had to see that movie.

I expected 90 minutes of bursting out laughing. Let's say, that wasn't exactly the case.

It sure has its moments of incredible comedy but, surprisingly, also moments of real tragedy and drama. I was quite stunned.

In the end, the story is absolutely original, I wouldn't know about anything similar, the actors all do a great job, the dialog is mostly very nice and all this ends up in a fine little piece of entertainment.

Not perfect, not amazing, but amusing and entertaining? Definitely!

An amusing but insubstantial comedy about a door-to-door encyclopedia salesman whose firm 'diversifies' into encyclopedias on sexuality and accompanying videos. Funny enough, with acutely observed and realistic characters, but it needed something more in the second half to make it worth the time.