El Conde

Fusing cinematic genres can be tricky, especially if the mix doesn’t mesh. But the latest from writer-director Pablo Larraín successfully pulls off a brilliantly original blend and does so just about perfectly. This metaphorical account of the life of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet (1915-2006) (Jaime Vadell) portrays the onetime-strongman as a vampire a la Dracula (hence the title and th...

The real-world history of Pinochet et al should be common knowledge. Add the vampire aspect in, and you've got a starting point for an interesting story. There was potential in the concept, but the result here doesn't go beyond a comedy show skit - with two hours runtime. The actors are given little to work with, so despite competence and good efforts, half the characters are and stay cliché...

Our intro is dark and explanatory, and the violence is 'to die for' The way they show our main story’s character is quite elegant and eye-catching, and I’m finding the storytelling to be rather fun as well. The imagery is fun and still feels poignant to our story, yet remains silly at times. There is treacherous behavior going on, and I’m hoping it holds some bearing to our story as it progress...