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By Brian Lafferty
January 11, 2011 (San Diego) – After seeing Undertow, Peru’s submission to the Academy for Best Foreign Language Film, I wondered if director Javier Fuentes-Leon had seen the 1947 classic The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz (who would direct All About Eve three years later) it starred Gene Tierney as a widow who falls in love with the spirit of a crusty sea captain played by Rex Harrison haunting her seaside cottage.
Undertow is, in a lot of ways, like The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, although more in thematical and spiritual terms than plot. Cristian Mercado is Miguel, a married fisherman with a pregnant wife and a happy marriage. At the same time he carries on an affair with a gay man, Santiago (Manolo Cardona), who tragically dies when an undertow sweeps him out to sea. He comes back as a ghost and requests of Miguel to find his body so he can have a traditional burial. This presents a difficult choice, as it means the revelation of his affair to a village that is religious and prejudiced against homosexuals.
Whereas The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is purely a romance, in Undertow director and writer Fuentes-Leon adds a character study. This is a wise choice, as I enjoyed it as much on that level. It is just as romantic as Mrs. Muir because both Miguel’s relationships with his wife and with Santiago are strong and loving without losing credibility. Because all the characters are richly drawn and deeply defined, it made me believe his dedication to both of them and them to him.
At the same time, Miguel is forced to confront his sexuality. As romantic as it is, I enjoyed seeing his efforts to find out who he is more satisfying and engaging than the romantic angles. It isn’t so much a love story but a tale about a man struggling with his self-identity.
Undertow is the first feature film from Fuentes-Leon; prior to this he directed two short films, neither of which I’ve seen. There is nothing in Undertow that makes it appear like a first feature. The pacing is always right, the actors consistently hit the right notes, never wavering into melodrama, and everything simply clicks.
The soundtrack is one of the major strengths of this picture. The sounds of the ocean are as constant as white noise. Listening to the waves hitting the shore made me feel as relaxed as I’ve ever recalled being at a movie.
This feeling of relaxation is also gleaned from the movie’s complete simplicity. Everything is simple, from the story to the interiors and exteriors, which are a little shabby but appropriate. The musical score is also soft and easy listening.
Undertow also possesses a spiritual quality, one that not only touched me but also had an effect on me. Having recently lost my mother, the film struck a chord with me. It has a lot to say on the subject of death and love. Losing a loved one can be hard and it can have a negative effect on one’s life. It can cause many complications and it forces oneself to find out who he is and realize his mortality.
That is what Undertow is about. Just like I’m realizing my mortality, trying to take control of my life and figuring out my identity, so is Miguel. Watching him triumph, albeit with some major consequences, is not just satisfying: it’s life-affirming.
Undertow is now playing at the Ken Cinema until January 22.
Brian can be reached at brian@eastcountymagazine.org. You can also follow him on Twitter: @BrianLaff
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