I saw this at the Melbourne International Film Festival a few days ago. Wanting to see something I perhaps wouldn't normally see at the cinema, this seemed to fit the bill. I rolled the dice on this baby and scored a mixed result. It's a documentary that focuses on a cemetery which is home to the many victims of the ruthless drug war, rampaging out of control in Mexico. The cameras mainly revolve around the night watchman and his tedious work life which generally consists of picking up beer cans and watering dirt. At other times the film's attention shifts to the living victims who flock daily to mourn the dead, or the thriving industry that is required to make room for the flood of bodies arriving. Busted up, weathered dudes, wearing split work boots, labour away on extravagant mausoleums for the flashy and cashed up, criminal corpses. A lot of people's lives seem to revolve around this eerie place which is a saddening thing.
The film never looks anything short of amazing, even though a filthy mini-city of the dead don't sound visually alluring, it definitely is. Unfortunately it moves at a painfully slow pace, camera shots hover over their target until you're slapping your hand on the ground and screaming "forfeit!". It would have been interesting to hear some thoughts from the various individuals featured, as it stands it is kept to an absolute minimum. Director Natalia Almada would instead like you to observe and contemplate this world without forcing any messages. That goal was only partially realised for me, it was just far too repetitive and meandering. Still, it's a noble attempt to draw some attention to a shit ugly situation. If you're feeling strong give it a shot.
2.5/5
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