¡ATRACO! and Triptych

It is now the middle of the festival, and we saw two worthwhile films: one an enjoyable comedy, the other an excellent piece of dramatic film making. Definitely a good nigh at the VFF.

The first was an Argentine-Spanish co-production, ¡ATRACO!, or Holdup!. It claims (not:-) to be based on an attempt in 1955 to smuggle Evita's jewellery collection out of safekeeping in Panama to Spain, and there to pawn it to raise funds for the Perons' flight to Madrid after their exile from Argentina. While the plot occasionally stretches credibility, the acting is good. And, although the plot has elements of international intrigue, romantic comedy, and crime-chase flick, it avoids formula and ends unexpectedly. Not brilliant, but good fun. 

The second, Triptych, by Robert LePage, was as good as I had hoped. A typically elliptical plot, it is well acted and beautiful to watch. It has a nice sense of place, with a segment in each of Quebec, London and Montreal. The segments intertwine in a satisfactory and reinforcing way, building to a fine conclusion. Highly recommended.