The Lesser Evil (Spanish: El menor de los males) is a 2007 Spanish black comedy thriller film directed by Antonio Hernández which stars Carmen Maura, Roberto Álvarez, and Verónica Echegui.
| The Lesser Evil | |
|---|---|
_poster.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Spanish | El menor de los males |
| Directed by | Antonio Hernández |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Javier Salmones |
| Edited by | Jorge Coira |
| Music by | Pablo Martín-Caminero |
Production company | Voz Audiovisual |
| Distributed by | Filmax |
Release dates |
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| Country | Spain |
| Language | Spanish |
Plot
editRight-wing politician Eduardo is staying in his sister's mansion in Galicia with personal secretary Ruth and bodyguards. Upon his affair with red-hot Vanesa, Eduardo suspects he is about to become blackmailed by his lover, who claims to be pregnant.[1][2]
Cast
edit- Carmen Maura as Julia[3]
- Roberto Álvarez as Eduardo[3]
- Verónica Echegui as Vanesa[3]
- Marta Belenguer as Ruth[2]
- Antonio Durán Morris as Hugo[2]
- Xabier Deive as Rodero[2]
- César Cambeiro
- Berta Ojea
Production
editThe film is a Voz Audiovisual production.[3] It was fully shot in Pontemaceira, province of A Coruña.[3]
Release
editThe film premiered at the 10th Málaga Film Festival on 10 March 2007.[4] Distributed by Filmax,[3] it was released theatrically in Spain on 14 March 2008.[5]
Reception
editFernando Méndez-Leite of Fotogramas rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, citing a well-supported Álvarez as the best thing about the film.[5]
Jonathan Holland of Variety deemed the film (and "engaging riff on the ruthlessness of power as embodied in an ambitious politician") to be a decent shot at satire.[2]
Accolades
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 10th Málaga Film Festival | Best Screenplay | Antonio Galeano, Antonio Hernández | Won | [6] |
| Best Supporting Actress | Verónica Echegui | Won | |||
| Best Costume Design | Ruth Díaz | Won | |||
| 2009 | 7th Mestre Mateo Awards | Best Actress | Carmen Maura | Nominated | [7][8] |
| Best Editing | Jorge Coira | Won | |||
| Best Sound | Carlos Mouriño | Nominated |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Pontemaceira (A Coruña) acoge hasta final de septiembre el rodaje del "oscuro e intrigante" film 'El menor de los males'". Europa Press. 22 August 2006.
- ^ a b c d e Holland, Jonathan (21 March 2007). "The Lesser Evil". Variety.
- ^ a b c d e f López, María Dolores (9 May 2008). "«El menor de los males», en cartelera en once localidades". La Voz de Galicia.
- ^ "Carmen Maura es homenajeada por toda su carrera en el Festival de Cine de Málaga". El Mundo. 11 March 2007.
- ^ a b Méndez-Leite, Fernando (29 May 2008). "El menor de los males". Fotogramas.
- ^ "'Bajo las estrellas', ganadora del X Festival de Cine Español de Málaga". Diario Sur. Grupo Vocento. 17 March 2007.
- ^ "A Academia Galega do Audiovisual desvela os finalistas da VII Edición dos Premios Mestre Mateo". Academia Galega do Audiovisual. 12 March 2009.
- ^ "Gañadores dos Premios Mestre Mateo". Academia Galega do Audiovisual. 30 April 2009.