There are moments in your life, events that took place when you were a child that you dont particularly remember but that your family has always told you about. Not necessarliy good events, but painful ones. Things that are better left unsaid, but that you feel you have a duty to recall, if only to understand and honor your family and what they went through and sacrficed for freedom. You create this picture of these events in your mind, understanding that sacrifice and that pain they must have endured.
There is one particular scene in The Lost City - one scene among many - where the protagonist goes through a moment that my parents, like all Cuban exile parents and their children, have gone through. I was too young to remember it, but the film gave it to me. It was surreal really, as if Garcia was telling me, personally, "Hey, remember this that your family has always told you about but try as you might you cant remember? Well, here it is."
And then BAM. You get walloped by the pain. You get walloped by all the emotions surrounding that event and they mix together somehow with your knowledge and understanding of it and take you to a place within yourself that youve never been to. And among all that pain and emotion and the haze of time and memory, there is clarity beyond measure.
I was discussing this particulary scene with a guy I met after the film, A Cuban-American a few years younger than I, explaining to him this exact same thing when he stopped me in mid-sentence and said "Did you catch a glimpse of the two little kids in that scene?"
I nodded. Told him that it had blown me away.
"Those two kids," he said. "Were my father and my uncle." His uncle, who had recently passed away, had worked on the music of the film and had related his experience to Andy Garcia and Andy felt that it was so powerful that he had to put it in the film. I cannot even begin to tell you how hard it was for me to fight back the tears right then and there.
This is difficult to write, obviously, as I do not want to give anything away of the movie. You need to experience those moments along with the characters and without foresight to live their reality. Our reality.
The Lost City is incredibly powerful. It will take you on this journey to a time and place in history, and if youre Cuban a place in your life, that was the beginning of the tragic demise of a country and the erosion and separation of the Cuban family. It's a love story, yes. But that love is a metaphor to help us understand the pain of loss and circumstance.
It was raining when Maggie and I arrived at the theater. We were early and we sat down at a table to wait. A gentleman came up to us and asked if he could join us, he looked familiar, was very cordial. "Sure," we said. And for some reason, while we were discussing the weather, my wife mentioned that she freaks out sometimes because I like to swim in our pool when its pouring rain.
"There's nothing like being underwater while it's raining," I said.
The gentleman agreed. "I love it." He said.
We chatted for another while and learned that this gentleman was actually Juan Fernandez and played the role of Fulgensio Batista in the film.
Now, imagine my surprise, while sitting there watching the movie, and in the very first scene where Batista appears, he is shown swimming in a pool while it's raining. It was surreal. After the film, Luis told us that he had taken that conversation with us as a sign and that he hadnt told us of that scene because he wanted us to truly appreciate it.
Forgive me if this post, these thoughts on The Lost City seem to ramble. I am still coming to terms with much of it. There is a lot to absorb. A lot of hurt, a lot of frustration, a lot of what if's. Not about the movie, but about what it portrays. There are some unbelievably devastating scenes throughout the film that I simply cannot tell you about.
The music in the film is incredible. From beginning to end you hear the best of Cuban music ever played. Rumba, son, cha cha cha. Danzon. There is one scene where you see Beny More doing his thing. The actor that plays him is superb. It is almost like seeing old Beny himself live and in color.
You will hate Che. Jsu Garcia does a masterful job at catching the murderers true colors. So good is his interpretation of Che that you find yourself wondering if Andy Garcia had any trouble trying not to strangle him while on set. Finally, a film that depicts the truth about the murderous bastard.
The love interest, Ines Sastre, is stunning. A solid performance throughout, and a very congenial woman in person. And ladies, my wife was enthralled by the costumes, particularly the dresses Ms. Sastre wears throughout the film.
Steven Bauer, who, incidentally, let me have one of his passes to view the film, (Gracias Steven!!) does an incredible job in his supporting role, and while he is not on screen for too long, his performance will tear your heart out. And you cant help but think that what happens to him, happened to so many who were innocent and will, unfortunately, happen again in Cuba's future.
You'll love Bill Murrays performance. He is classic Bill Murray and I wont say anything else about his role so as not to ruin it for you.
And Andy is Andy. A masterful job as Fico and a superb effort in not only producing the film, but staying true to Cabrera Infante's work. I am unbelievably proud of Garcia and his unrelenting efforts with this labor of love.
I could go on and on. The entire cast was superb, the production was more than solid and the cinematography was excellent. A couple people I spoke to mentioned that they thought it was abit long, run time is 2:17, but I would gladly have sat through another two hours.
In essence, all I can say about the film is that you simply must see it for yourself. You will find yourself sitting in a theater with sobs all around. Tears will flow, heartwrenching moments will be lived, sadness will overwhelm you.
En fin, igual que Cuba. Just like Cuba.
Posted by Val Prieto at October 16, 2005 09:43 AM
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Wow, sounds amazing! I'm so glad you two had the opportunity to go this screening. I can't wait till it comes out for the general public, whenever that is, I'll be there.
(BTW, the link for Ines Sastre links to Jsu Garcia)
Posted by: Amanda at October 16, 2005 10:01 AM
How was Dustin? Also, in reports it said Bobby Duvall was supposed to be in the movie, but he does not appear in the credits. Was he in it finally?
Posted by: mike pancier at October 16, 2005 10:12 AM
I think it is shameful that this movie has not yet received national distribution. It is emblematic of the Hollywood crowd that a movie that depicts the Cuba before fidel would be shunned like this. Let's hope that it receives the due it deserves. Keep an ey open for reviewers in MSM organs: They will most assuredly pan it, or worse.
Posted by: George L. Moneo at October 16, 2005 10:21 AM
Anyone know when it will be in local theaters, if at all? I know this may be a dumb question....
Posted by: Max at October 16, 2005 10:40 AM
Mike,
Hoffman plays a mean Meyer Lansky. He only has a few minutes screen time but he does a good job as the character.
George, I am told that there are a few US distributors willing to take the film, but none of the big guns.
Max, suposedly, they are looking at a December/January release.
And guys, make sure you take Kleenex with you. Youre gonna need them.
Posted by: Val Prieto at October 16, 2005 10:53 AM
Mike,
Bobby Duvall is not in the film. I too read someting somewhere that had him in the cast.
Posted by: Val Prieto at October 16, 2005 10:54 AM
Thanks for your comments, it must've been hard to not give away at least parts of the film.
Looking forward to catching it when it comes out in theatres.
Posted by: Robert at October 16, 2005 11:39 AM
I'm really looking forward to seeing this film, and I can't wait for the soundtrack.
Posted by: Kathleen at October 16, 2005 12:01 PM
Oh my God!!!!
Posted by: Mario at October 16, 2005 12:04 PM
Thanks for the great review!
Posted by: Peter at October 16, 2005 12:36 PM
Thanks for the heads up Val - it has been said "coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous."
Last night was reminiscing with "la vieja y el viejo" (mom-n-pop) - about that era, the life, the country, the customs... about those no longer with us, some whom we never saw again after we fled the post-1958 "paradise." We started on the "Hollywood crowd" at one point, and the biased, pro-kaSStro "minds" to be found there. Then I said, "you know, there is a great movie supposed to be out soon, by Andy Garcia - The Lost City. I understand it'll be a great antidote to all the pro-kaSStro crap out there."
Well - wadda you know...now we're really looking forward to this. Think it'd be a great idea for a family outing. And it is so good to see one of our own who "done good," Andy Garcia. Not the only one, of course, but one whose work has always been admirable - and to use a cliche, a shining example to our younger generations. Can't wait.
Posted by: Alberto Quiroga at October 16, 2005 02:53 PM
Oh my gosh, it sounds so awesomek, Val! We got you linked on American Thinker.
Posted by: A.M. Mora y Leon at October 16, 2005 03:24 PM
I don't understand why the distributors don't want to carry it...this film sounds amazing.
Posted by: GWEH at October 16, 2005 09:52 PM
The first revue says it's ok, but perhaps (from the version he saw) needs some editing work. Maybe the version Val saw was different.
"Garcia is also to be lauded for taking a political stance -- which is to say, regarding Batista, Che and Castro with equal contempt -- that could make him unpopular in certain circles."
Which I interpret as making him unpopular with the Che crowd. Anyways, I hope the movie gets distributed. If it's good enough to make money, politics won't stop it.
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117928086?categoryid=31&cs=1&s=h&p=0
Posted by: Fielding at October 16, 2005 11:33 PM
For once I agree with Fielding. Hollywood will not turn down a chance to make a buck.
Posted by: A.M. Mora y Leon at October 16, 2005 11:52 PM
BLOGGERS GET BUSY
If enough Bloggers get busy on this one, they'll have to take it on. Someone will distribute it.
Posted by: Howarde at October 17, 2005 12:35 AM
Thanks to Fielding for the "Variety Magazine" review of the movie. As everyone knows, "Variety Magazine" is the trade magazine for the movie industry. After reading it, my fear was confirmed. As suspected, the reviewer writes:
"There are no shots of the poverty-stricken workers whose plight was the impetus for the revolt."
In other words, this non-Cuban reviewer with a pre-conceived notion of Cuba is already taking unfair pot-shots at the movie because it doesn't portray Cuba the way that it was supposed to have been his eyes; a poverty-stricken country no different than Bolivia, Honduras, or El Salvador, a third-world country of shoeless peasants. In fact, the revolution was not fought for the "poverty-stricken workers" as the reviewer ignorantly says, this was just Castro's justification for his undemocratic and increasingly tyrannical reforms as he consolidated power in the early years. This lie has become part of the mythology of the Cuban dis-"revolution" As anyone who really knows anything about Cuba will tell you, the revolution was fought to re-establish the progress Cuban constitution of 1940 which Batista had made a sham of.
Tragically, this mythology has followed us and we see it re-surface over and over again. It's a form of defending Castro. What the reviewer really wants is for Andy Garcia to somehow justify Castro by showing these "poverty-stricken peasants" that the Cuban "Robin Hood" Castro "fought" the dis-revolution to defend! A similar charge was made against Julian Schnabel when he produced the incredible anti-Castro movie about Reinaldo Arenas's life, BEFORE NIGHT FALLS. Some critics started harping about why Schnabel didnt' focus [GET THIS!] on Castro's [as they put it] medical and educational successes! Similarly, Leon Ichaso's BITTER SUGAR was panned because it was too "one-sided" and didn't show Castro's "successes".
I pray that the same thing doesn't happen to the movie, but that little line in "Variety Magazine" is pretty ominous. Remember, the movie has to deal with Hollywood, yes, the same Hollywood that nominated that HORRENDOUS Warren Beatty movie, "REDS" with 11 acadamy awards even though it was long and boring and of course an ode to communism! Now they are saying that Garcia's movie is too long!
Let's not forget that Garcia is dealing with the same group that refused to give Schnabel's BEFORE NIGHT FALLS any academy awards even though the movie deserved to receive several including one for Javier Bardem as best actor, one for cinematagraphy, music, screenplay adaptation, and of course one for best movie of the year! Instead something as silly as "Croaching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was nominated for five Academy Awards and won a few, and so did some of the other silly movies that year whose names don't even come to mind because they were so forgettable!
Let's keep our fingers crossed, BUT ME THINKS that Hollywood and the critics will not be gentle. They will probably [undeservedly] pan this movie because of their own pro-Castro bias.
Posted by: Ray at October 17, 2005 04:04 AM
They hate most good movies and readers know enough to take them as counterindicators. Even Mel Gibson got his much-panned 'Passion of Christ' movie out despite the likes of Variety's numskulls. It does make me ill that the reviewer is that big an ignoramus about Cuba, though. He probably thinks Cuba is Mexico and serves spicy tacos, too. They're all like that.
Posted by: A.M. Mora y Leon at October 17, 2005 09:28 AM
I fear Ray is right, I also took offense at the reviewers complaint about the lack of subtitles for song lyrics. I cannot think of any film foreign or otherwise that's provided subtitles for lyrics. To me this seemed condescending at best.
Posted by: Kathleen at October 17, 2005 10:58 AM
The Miami Herald - Opinion - October 10, 2005
A window on Cuba
Gov. Jeb Bush will host a showing of Andy García's movie The Lost City in Miami on Oct. 15. It's disappointing that The Lost City doesn't have a U.S. distributor.
No one escapes tragedy without scars, but the difference is how we choose to live our lives. García, through The Lost City, displays incredible strength of character by allowing us to look through the window of the loss of Cuba's freedom. Garcia has given us the opportunity to look through a window of Cuba's history and come to know the Cuban people.
JANET RAY WEININGER
Posted by: Janet Ray Weininger at October 17, 2005 12:48 PM
Some of you are waaaay too sensitive for this world. There were poor people that fought for the revolution. Doesn't mean Garcia had to include them in the movie. This reviewer felt he should have. I tend to disagree with the reviewer. Big deal. Now for some people the guy is a write-off.
"Garcia is also to be lauded for taking a political stance -- which is to say, regarding Batista, Che and Castro with equal contempt -- that could make him unpopular in certain circles."
That's a pretty profound statement too. I give the reviewer credit for this. Maybe he does lack some knowledge on the revolution, like many people in this world. I can imagine people like Kathleen writing a review of "Bus 174." That would get skewered as leftist, "commie" propaganda.
Posted by: Fielding at October 17, 2005 01:58 PM
...though Kathleen is right about the subtitles.
Posted by: Fielding at October 17, 2005 02:00 PM
Fielding, I haven't seen "Lost City” so I wasn't criticizing the reviewer other than the comment about subtitles. I was agreeing with Rays comments on expectations and Hollywood politics. As for Bus 174, (of which I’ve only seen a little), what does that have to do with the film we're discussing?
Posted by: Kathleen at October 17, 2005 06:21 PM
I don't believe that anyone is being "way too sensitive for this world". If the critic at "Variety" had made an isolated remark that was not at all reflective of Hollywood's general view of anti-Castro movies, I would have ignored the remark, but because there is an enormous body of evidence that Hollywood not only refuses to finance anti-Castro movies, but they they, also, refuse to distribute them, unfairly criticize them and then ignore them at major awards, I believe that critic's remark is a bad sign.
Yes, there were poor people who fought in the "revolution" but that wasn't the point. When the critic at Variety says:
"There are no shots of the poverty-stricken workers whose plight was the impetus for the revolt."
What he is referring to is the notion that many people have that Cuba was one vast plantation [latifundio] with poverty-stricken sugar cane cutters slaving day and night to cut cane for the few rich Cubans on the island [which is the notion that they have] or the Americans who were supposed to own most of these sugar plantations. The critic at Variety wants Andy Garcia to make a spoken or unspoken statement by showing this. This of course would only benefit Castro who has perpetuated this mythology for 46 years that his "revolution" was for the "poverty-stricken peasants". Nobody is denying that there was poverty in Cuba [heck, there is poverty in the USA, the richest country in the world!], but that isn't the point that the critic is making, and I believe it is a politicized critique based on either ignorance or a pro-Castro sympathy.
Posted by: Ray at October 17, 2005 06:24 PM