Plot: What’s it about?
As he rests is his home within Bordeaux, France, Goya (Francisco Rabal) begins to have some strange visions, as well as some disturbing nightmares. So he remains awake and soon enough, his young daughter (Daphne Fernandez) comes in to care for him. So as he thinks about things and tries to forget the visions, Goya begins to reflect on his life and career, which he tells his daughter about in stories. As he recalls these experiences and talks about his career, we’re taken off into lush, dream-like visions, so we can share in the entire experience. From a sweeping, passionate romance with the Duchess of Alba (Maribel Verdu) to the political turmoil that surrounded him to the rough path to his eventual success, Goya takes us on a visually splendid and complex journey through his life and times.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this film, but I was blown away by the visuals, which prevented me from taking in much else. I love visually charged movies and this fits that bill, as the lush visuals and superb cinematography simply shine here and own the movie. Sure, the storyline and acting are good, but they’re very much overshadowed by how intense and beautiful the visual elements are. Some might consider that to be a bad concept, but in a film about an artist, I find it to be appropriate and very acceptable. Because after all, the people who work as artists usually have their lives overshadowed by their art, so why shouldn’t that be the case here? I went back and watched this movie a second time, but once again, I was sucked into the costumes, photography, and sensual color schemes, which was a welcome surprise. I do think the actors are in fine form, but with such resonant visuals present, it is hard for them to yank down the spotlight. I recommend this film to those who love to dazzle their eyes, as this is a true visual masterpiece.
As you can tell from above, I loved the way Goya In Bordeaux looks, so I wanted to focus on someone who helped make that happen. As the film’s cinematographer, Vittorio Storaro is able to use his skills to paint a film, much like an artist paints a canvas. As you glance at his resume, you’ll notice that he loves to use colors, which is more than evident in this film. But in this picture, he chooses to manipulate color through light schemes, as opposed to normal colored items or pieces. This gives the film a very theatrical texture, which some dislike, but I think works well for this instance. The visual presence here is remarkable and even in the most minute details, Storaro is able to create true cinematic beauty. Other films where he served as cinematographer include Bulworth, Picking Up The Pieces, Apocalypse Now, The Last Emperor, Tucker: A Man and His Dream, Taxi, and Dick Tracy. The cast here includes Francisco Rabal (A Hundred and One Nights, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!), Maribel Verdu (And Your Mother Too, Pink Sauce), Daphne Fernandez (Between Your Legs), and Jose Coronado (I’m The One, The Naked Eye).
Video: How does it look?
Goya In Bordeaux is presented in a 2.00:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This is a terrific transfer, which allows the film’s unique visuals and offbeat color patterns to shine. The colors look fantastic here, very rich hues and natural flesh tones, but no traces of bleeds or smears in the least surface. I was also impressed with the contrast, which is stark and well defined, though detail loss is never evident. The source print used looks very clean and no compression flaws pop up, this is one solid visual effort, which this film deserves.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc uses a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track, which at times can offer up a very immersive atmosphere. When the musical score is present, it sounds excellent and takes advantage of the surrounds, which is always a welcome presence. A few sequences have some powerful use outside of the score, but for the most part, the sound effects are more subtle, though still present. The dialogue is presented in the original Spanish language and sound solid, very crisp and no issues as far as volume. This disc also includes a Spanish 2.0 surround track, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Aside from some talent files, this disc contains no bonus materials, which is a shame.
