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Santiago Mitre lays out an intimate look at one of the most prolific court cases since Nuremberg. ‘Argentina, 1985’, released back in 2022, strikes an emotional core beyond the Utilitarian ambiance in which it is encapsulated. A tribute to the country and the home of the filmmaker elevates this from a courtroom drama to an intimate look at a culture.
Ricardo Darín ushers the meticulously crafted film as Julio César Strassera, the Chief Prosecutor, in the court case known as the “Trial of the Juntas.” A monumental lawsuit that was the first major trial of war crimes since World War II and the first to be conducted by a civilian court. Strassera led the country to a monumental victory that had to be won to dictate the way the political realm would be for future generations.
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Making a Country Speak
Strassera walks through the door. The family surrounds the television as the special report of the trial hits citizens for the first time. Strassera walks onto the balcony to get away from the eventual chaos he will inherit. Like a gateway to the Argentinian metropolitan world, Strassera cannot escape the seriousness of the case, as all of the apartments are featured on the special report.
Argentina truly speaks in this film as Santiago Mitre breaks barriers with the mise en scene. Mitre often juxtaposes color with the otherwise brutalist architecture and remnants of a corrupt past. Mitre creates the depiction of a youthful society encroaching on being a developed and functioning democracy.
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The Children Around the World Continue to Ask the question
The opening introduces Strassera as he drives home. The lights from the cars and traffic stop flood the frame as the camera is positioned in the back of the car, so we can see through the front window. A young Argentine, boutique stores, and two lovers in the rain. Almost a feeling of romanticism as we come into a world predicated by greater controversies.
A wide range of perspectives can be concluded from this tool. Scenes in rural towns give insight into their conditions, while the reporters in the street give another context. Strassera is our guide to keep the morals and ethics of it all straight. The influence that these microinteractions have allows for greater understanding of this historical event. Especially in how it had affected so many people around the country.
Ricardo Darín Dictates the Narrative
Ricardo Darín’s career has spanned over six decades and has won him countless awards. In ‘Argentina,1985’, he puts in an award-worthy performance as he helps to navigate the audience through the story. As the Chief Prosecutor, a heavy weight falls on his shoulders, often reminded by his wife and colleagues how important and delicate the case is to Argentina. Amongst the chaos, Strassera seems to be the lens trying to view all of this. The pressure falls on him to win the case so that history’s arc begins to bend through justice and not through the machinations of those with badges and credentials to hide behind.
Strassera’s relatability is calculated to make him a likable character. We are designed to follow him, to observe through him, and to understand concepts through him. Darín instills a sincere and honest quality to Strassera that makes the audience care. The character is written witily with excellent deliveries from Darín. He shows his prowess not by indignation but with a calmness that lets us trust him.
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Perfectly Placed Exposition
Often, one of the hardest things for a courtroom drama is the exposition that has to be put into the scenes. Locations are boring, usually set in the office or at home, but most importantly in the courtroom. ‘Argentina,1985’ is much like David Mamet’s ‘The Verdict,’ showing exposition given in emotionally driven scenes that make the drama unforgettable. ‘Argentina,1985’ lays out the exposition in a digestible way that isn’t pretentious or arrogant. An admirable aspect of the film is the importance of Strassera’s family to his stability. Behind him are his wife, son, and daughter, with whom he speaks candidly. In preparation for his final speech, Strassera reads the closing argument to his son, who is quick to have a suggestion of his own.
Strassera looks for universal truths that are not founded on lies or safeguarding, but on the truth and justice of what people deserve. The exposition always comes outside of where the initial source of information is happening. Cuts around the actual conversations allow for more emotional conversations between Strassera and his partners, as well as his entire family.
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A courtroom is a setting to get familiar with, as the judges tower over the jurors and lawyers trying the case. A tricky but must-happen task is to create compelling drama, soaked with compelling action and dialogue. What Mitre does in the second act feels meditative as we are taken through the testimonies from the victims. The way this second act is constructed allows the audience to float around the testimonies as they happen. As Strassera deals with some of the ancillary expositional boring material, we are still in a sequence where a harrowing tale is being told.
Awards and Updates
‘Argentina, 1985’ continues to resonate as one of the most impactful films of recent years. At the 2023 Academy Awards, it earned a nomination for Best International Feature Film, marking a significant achievement for Argentine cinema. The film’s accolades extend beyond the Oscars; it received the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language and secured multiple wins at the Platino Awards, including Best Director for Santiago Mitre and Best Actor for Ricardo Darín. Darín’s portrayal of Julio César Strassera has been widely acclaimed, adding to his legacy as one of Latin America’s most esteemed actors. While the film did not win the Oscar in its category, its recognition underscores the global appreciation for its compelling storytelling and historical significance. Looking ahead, Darín is set to star in the upcoming Netflix film Lo dejamos acá, directed by Hernán Goldfrid, alongside Diego Peretti. Meanwhile, Peter Lanzani, who portrayed Luis Moreno Ocampo, is preparing to direct and star in a biopic of 1980s rock icon Luca Prodan, further showcasing the enduring talent emerging from this remarkable film.
Producers: Victoria Alonso, Santiago Carabante, Chino Darín, Axel Kuschevatzky, Santiago Mitre, and Federico Posternak
Writers: Mariano Llinás, Martín Mauregui, and Santiago Mitre
Director: Santiago Mitre
Mentioned Cast: Ricardo Darín, Peter Lanzani, and Norman Briski
By Devon James
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Devon James is a screen and media writer determined to provide readers with engaging and informative content. His film industry background gives him an adept knowledge in the entertainment industry. This complies with The Hollywood Insider’s mission to educate readers. Devon likes seeing hidden voices in film that provide new cultural perspectives. He enjoys the conversations cinema creates; hoping through his writing to open up topics for discussion.
Devon James is a screen and media writer determined to provide readers with engaging and informative content. His film industry background gives him an adept knowledge in the entertainment industry. This complies with The Hollywood Insider’s mission to educate readers. Devon likes seeing hidden voices in film that provide new cultural perspectives. He enjoys the conversations cinema creates; hoping through his writing to open up topics for discussion.
