Chilean director Marcelo Ferrari made his recent drama “Bombal” based on the love life of acclaimed feminist author María Luisa Bombal. I cannot verify how much of the film is based on real events, but what it does manage to recreate is the extreme state of depression she was in even while writing successful books at the time, most of which delve into eroticism from a feminine point of view. Her works were well received all over Latin America, but was frowned upon within some circles in native Chile. Most of the film is told through flash-backs from Bombal’s point of view.
Storyline:
The film is set sometime during the nineteen forties when María Luisa Bombal moved back to Chile with husband Jorge Larco. They have an open relationship – while he is gay, she is having an affair with a divorced Eulogio Sánchez. Hopelessly in love with Eulogio, Bombal descends into a state of depression when her feelings go in-reciprocated. After a failed suicide attempt, she goes as far as publicly shooting Eulogio who is now engaged to another woman. He survives, but at least it brings some kind of closure to that chapter in her history.
While the film has an interesting story to tell, the script/screenplay doesn’t do it enough justice. The characterisation, particularly of the male characters is uni-dimensional and could have been developed further, and it isn’t helped by the actors’ pedestrian performances either. Blanca Lewin however is the exception as she brings her professionalism to fore, more or less compensating for the other main characters. The sound track is fine, but the scope of the cinematography and editing seems to have been restricted perhaps due to budgetary constraints. It had the potential to be as powerful a drama as Bellocchio’s “Vincere“, but as it stands, remains just about an above average film. The bare-bones DVD is available through the below link.
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Compilation: Blanca Lewin
Blanca Lewin shines through thanks to another beautiful performance in an otherwise average drama, "Bombal".
Scene Guide:
- A flash-back as Bombal reminisces happier times with lover Eulogio. The titular role is played by the beautiful as ever Blanca Lewin. In this scene, she wants them to be openly lovers rather than continue their secret rendezvous. He tells her this isn’t the right time as he still has some unfinished business from a recently ended marriage.
- At a party attended with husband Larco, Bombal watches him having sex with a younger man (uncredited), and vents her frustration by calling at Eulogio’s for the night.
- Larco asks Bombal to pose for him. He advices her to stop seeing Eulogio as it is obvious he doesn’t love her as much as she does. She tells her husband that Eulogio had already left her to be with another woman, and that she misses him terribly.
- A drunk Bombal picks up a younger man at a bar for a one night stand.
Download Links:
Mirror 1 | Mirror 2
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I was just thinking I wish she did something other than En la cama and I see this. 😛 Too bad it’s not as explicit, maybe next time. thanks TR.
I don’t agree there. First, I haven’t seen this film but the caps provided expertly by this site leads me to assume that explicitness, in itself, should not be the barometer of purchase or download. For the simple fact, that someone like Blanca Lewin is exotic to our non-Latin sensibilities. Certainly there are the Hayek’s and Cruz’s of the world but the unknown nuggets of Latin stars shining in their dim potential should be our ultimate discovery and nurtured into a bright flare of a supernova walking the red carpets of the world. Often, I find, the erotic/sensual charms are hidden in an otherwise bland movie which I don’t believe this to be.
Moderator,
May I suggest another gorgeous and yet moody water film?
It is a Polish film titled, Pod powierzchnia (2006) English title: The Underneath. This is not to be confused with an US film directed by Steven Soderbergh by the same name. It is directed by Marek Gajczak and stars the gorgeous and lithesome Polish actress Magdalena Boczarska (Ania) and the more urbane (character) Beata Kozikowska (Iza). It’s mostly Magdalena underwater and nude prancing and being seductive in the great outdoors. There is a story here though. A couple decides to take a holiday at a mutual friend’s cabin. Rising to the surface of this seemingly winsome and collegial trio is envy, jealousy and voyeuristic longing of the best friend’s younger, carefree, girlfriend. Set amongst the bucolic isolation of a huge lake surrounded by forest, it is eye candy for those new to Polish cinema and especially the beauty of Magdalena Boczarska.
Yes I do remember watching it a few years ago, but I don’t have it in my DVD collection, yet. Sure I will, when I do. 🙂
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I really love scenes of nude swimming and Blanca Lewin did it very well in this film. I liked very much when Blanca stands up to wait for her lover.
I’m slowly, ever so slowly, methodically acquiring the more obscure titles entreated upon on this very important source of Euro/Latin film repository. Bombal is one of the many, many that I have an occasion to own for my collection. I am very excited. I have a human resource from Brazil who has guided me in my purchases of Pitanga, Dill and other national films. I’ve had the pleasure of locating Marina Kalogirou films, also. I think I should get paid for all of my earnest sleuthing. So, TR, I mirthfully insist that you bring it!
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I’m glad you’re having luck in sourcing from Brazil – I’m yet to find a steady source. Would you mind sending me (personal message) the email of your Brazilian contact – I’ve been having a nightmare talking to a guy in mercado livre for a DVD that I need for the blog. Thanks.
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I can’t give his name just on a whim. I want your help too. I need Mavro Livadi. Do you know a dvd source for that? I’ve checked the ebays of the world already. I will have to ask “him” whether he wants to be “passed around.” And just to let you know, as icing on a cake, if you will, I’ve got the Guedes film, Once Upon A Time I Was Veronica through my source. Paid a pretty penny but I did it. I pay him a “finder’s fee.”
Guys – we’re not dealing with under-the-counter items here (at least not in countries where freedom of expression is allowed). Which supplier on earth will not want to sell more items of something that he stocks?!
The aim of the site is to talk about film, some of which are rare, and also show where one could source them from, when available. That information is public and also available to non-members in this site. We’re simply doing it out of love for film.
You don’t need to trade your information here – you may keep it to yourself. The site is for free flow of information, as long as it is not deemed personal or private.
Black Field by the way can be obtained from various Greek sources, like:
– videorama.gr
– e-shop.gr
and so on..!
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