La Corrida

Author(s): Josh P.
Location: Chicago, IL

"La Corrida"

Directed by Ridley Scott
Written by John Logan
Music by Ennio Morricone
Production Designed by Arthur Max and Crispin Sallis
Costume Design by Sandy Powell
Cinematography by Robert Richardson

Principal Cast:

Gael García Bernal (Ernesto Sillo)
Javier Bardem (José Guarez)
Tom Wilkinson (Henry Mayor)
Matt Damon (Tom Mayor)
Catalina Sandino Moreno (Juanita Perez Mayor)
Edward James Olmos (Carlos Diego)
Joaquin Phoenix (James Reynolds)
Jake Gyllenhaal (Richard Pennie)
Freddy Rodriguez (Miguel Saltera)

with special appearances by
Antonio Banderas (Presidente Simón)
Ed Harris (William Bradfellow)
Jean Reno (Gerard André)
Ken Wantanabe (Hared Kamusoto)
Jeremy Irons (Charles Enger)

Tagline: "Death is charging and you must grab it by the horns"

Synopsis: Set in the early 1920s, the story tells that of a young man living in Spain (Bernal) and his aspiring dream to be a bullfighter. Ernesto’s father was once a bullfighter and worked along side Ernesto’s idol, José Guarez (Bardem), who is known as the most famous matador in the country. When his father died in an incident at the bullfighting ring, Ernesto pledges himself to the art form. When he joins in the ranks at a young age, he struggles at first. But he finds help. One fellow bullfighter (Rodriguez) has been in the game for many several years and teaches him basic skills. The other source is a retired one (Olmos). Diego had been bullfighting for over twenty years but had to bow out due to slower reaction time and a battle with alcoholism. Diego is tough, but decisive. Slowly, but surely, Ernesto builds up his skill. Soon he is performing in front of larger crowds and is even hired at a private event for the birthday of an American business tycoon (Wilkinson), as well as some other rich friends from around the globe (Harris, Reno, Wantanabe, Irons), and his son (Damon). The elder Mayor is married to a young Spanish bride named Juanita (Moreno) and she and Ernesto fall in love, continuing a secret affair kept in dark corners. Henry suspects something but cannot prove anything, and likes Ernesto too much to fire him. Tom has hated Ernesto from day one, due to his apparent prejudice against Spaniards and his father’s quickie, lust fueled marriage to Juanita. He soon finds out about Ernesto and Juanita’s affair and he, along with his friends (Phoenix, Gyllenhaal) take it upon themselves to make Ernesto’s life a living hell. It all concludes with an extravagant bullfight, entitled “La Corrida” which pits Ernesto with his idol, Guarez, in front of the judge (Banderas) for the top championship prize. Who will emerge victorious on that day?

What the press would say:

Ridley Scott provides an enthralling and masterful work of art. His extravagant and epic touches which have made him so famous are present in the piece as its capitalization on set and costume design do not disappoint. Richardson is also excellent behind the camera and creates that delicate balance of light and shadows with the actors and sets which is truly amazing. The cast is as much breathtaking as the scenery. Bernal gives a standout performance and provides an intense dramatic appeal, being able to acquire it on many different intensity levels. The supporting cast has been hailed as sublime. Ranging from a wide variety of actors, they all match up their acting skills marvelously. Standout supporting players are Olmos, who nails the teacher character flawlessly and Matt Damon’s evil incarnate is deviously delicious. These are all excellent reasons why the film’s cast has garnished numerous ensemble precursors. As the Oscar nominations near closer, the campaign is hoping for these awards and possible wins for what critics are calling “A work of art” and “Ridley Scott and company’s best film”:

Best Picture
Best Director: Ridley Scott
Best Actor: Gael García Bernal
Best Supporting Actor: Edward James Olmos
Best Supporting Actor: Matt Damon
Best Original Screenplay: John Logan
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score
Best Makeup