Half of Oscar (Spanish: La mitad de Óscar) is a 2010 Spanish-Cuban drama film directed by Manuel Martín Cuenca from a screenplay by Martín Cuenca and Alejandro Hernández. It stars Verónica Echegui, Rodrigo Sáenz de Heredia, Denis Eyriey, and Antonio de la Torre.
| Half of Oscar | |
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 Theatrical release poster | |
| Spanish | La mitad de Óscar |
| Directed by | Manuel Martín Cuenca |
| Screenplay by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Rafael de la Uz |
| Edited by | Ángel Hernández Zoido |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Golem Distribución |
Release dates |
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| Countries |
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| Language | Spanish |
Plot
editThe plot explores the theme of incest.[1] Upon the worsening of his grandfather's Alzheimer's disease, sullen security guard Óscar meets at the hospital with lively sister María (accompanied by French boyfriend Jean) whom with he has a fraught relationship.[2][3]
Cast
edit- Rodrigo Sáenz de Heredia as Óscar[4]
- Verónica Echegui as María[4]
- Denis Eyriey as Jean[4]
- Antonio de la Torre as taxista[5]
Production
editA Spanish-Cuban co-production, the film was produced by La Loma Blanca PC alongside 14 Pies Audiovisual and ICAIC, with the participation of Canal Sur.[3] Shooting in the province of Almería (including locations such Cabo de Gata and El Cañarete) wrapped in March 2010.[6]
Release
editThe film screened at the 35th Toronto International Film Festival on 14 September 2010.[7] Distributed by Golem Distribución, it was released theatrically in Spain on 18 March 2011.[8]
Reception
editJonathan Holland of Variety assessed that despite being "undeniably accomplished, visually striking and superbly played by Rodrigo Saenz de Heredia as its tightly-wound protag", the film "ultimately plays as too leisurely and detached for all but fest auds".[3]
Mirito Torreiro of Fotogramas rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, praising the "extraordinary mise-en-scène", but negatively assessing the (excessive) "hieratism" displayed by the male protagonist.[2]
Sergio F. Pinilla of Cinemanía rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, considering it to be an example of "intimate, risky and honest cinema", which were it to be authored by Louis Malle, it would be deemed a masterpiece.[9]
Accolades
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 21st Actors and Actresses Union Awards | Best New Actor | Rodrigo Sáenz de Heredia | Nominated | [10][11] |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Ortiz Sevilla, Braulio (10 October 2013). "El monstruo descubre al prójimo". Diario de Sevilla. Grupo Joly.
- ^ a b Torreiro, Mirito (18 February 2011). "La mitad de Óscar". Fotogramas.
- ^ a b c Holland, Jonathan (20 September 2010). "Half of Oscar". Variety.
- ^ a b c "Verónica Echegui, Rodrigo Saénz de Heredia y Antonio de la Torre en 'La mitad de Óscar'". Europa Press. 15 March 2011.
- ^ "El oscuro pasado de «La mitad de Óscar»". La Nueva España. Prensa Ibérica. 26 October 2010.
- ^ Rodríguez, Rosabel (4 March 2010). "El triple salto mortal de Martín Cuenca". El País.
- ^ "Martín Cuenca presenta 'La mitad de Óscar', en el Festival Internacional de Toronto". Ideal. 16 September 2010.
- ^ "El almeriense Martín Cuenca prepara el rodaje de 'Caníbal'". Diario de Almería. 4 September 2011.
- ^ Pinilla, Sergio F. (11 March 2011). "La mitad de Óscar". Cinemanía – via 20minutos.es.
- ^ "XXI Premios de la Unión de Actores". Fotogramas. 7 June 2012.
- ^ "XXI Premios de la Unión de Actores". Fotogramas. 19 June 2012.