Zama 2017

     This film is based on a novel by Antonio Di Benedetto written in 1956.  Don Diego deZama was a Spanish officer of the 17^th century and he was born in South America. He settled in Asuncion, a remote South American colony.  He is awaiting his transfer to Buenos Aires.  Years go by and he is still awaiting the letter from the King to arrive?

     I thought this film was difficult to watch!!  It’s hard to pay attention and people keep coming and going but there isn’t much else happening?  There must be a cultural difference.  It must require attentive and patient viewing with possible later appreciation?  Maybe the inclusion of a tour guide would better explain what is happening?   2 ½* (This movie is so-so)

115 min, Drama directed by Lucrecia Martel with Daniel Gimenez Cacho, Lola Duenas, Matheus Nachtergaele, Juan Minujin, Nahuel Cano, Mariana Nunes, Carlos Defeo, Rafel Spregelburd, Carlos Cano, Jorge Roman.

Note:  Imdb 6.7 out of 10, 96% critic 53% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 4*, Metacritic 89 out of 100 with 26 critics 7.7 out of 10 with 23 reviews, Amazon 3.5* out of 5* with 21 reviews, The Telegraph 4* out of 5*, The Guardian 5* Peter Bradshaw.

Special Note:  Filmed in Formosa, Argentina.  This film was the official submission of Argentina for the Best Foreign Language Film of the 90^th Academy Awards in 2018.  The premiere was at TIFF in Toronto in September 2017.  Goodreads.com gives the book 4.01* out of 5* with 1,220 ratings and 180 reviews.