Film Review: ‘Argentina’

Carlos Saura helped popularize the tango around the world with his Oscar- nominated - “Tango” and now fills in the dance mosaic with “Argentina.”
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If your idea of Argentine music begins and ends with tango that is a great start, but there is a much fuller history to survey. Carlos Saura helped popularize the tango around the world with his Oscar nominated hybrid-musical “Tango” (the man likes simple titles, at least for international releases). Now he fills in the rest of the mosaic with “Argentina,” a gorgeous performance documentary in the style of his previous ”Fados“ and ”Flamenco, Flamenco.”

There is no talking in “Argentina.” (well maybe a bit of incidental convo, but that is just for behind-the-scenes flavor), just dancing, playing, and singing. In some cases, the latter is more like chanting. Saura is not fooling around when he goes for the folk roots. Some of the music performed for his camera is not so different on the Pampas or the Andes centuries ago.

A still from Carlos Saura's "Argentina." (Barakacine Producciones)
A still from Carlos Saura's "Argentina." Barakacine Producciones
Joe Bendel
Joe Bendel
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Joe Bendel writes about independent film and lives in New York City. To read his most recent articles, visit JBSpins.blogspot.com
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