Is Commentary on Les Autres Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2018 release of Commentary on Les Autres stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In 1973 Hugo Santiago made Les Autres, his second feature film. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In 1973 Hugo Santiago made Les Autres, his second feature film. The film was produced in Paris by a team composed mostly of Argentines, and written together with Jorge Luis Borges and Adolfo Bioy Casares. Even so, the film ends up representing France in the official competition at the Cannes festival in 1974. That premiere is a great scandal in which political reasons and film criticism are confused. In this brief introduction, Hugo gives us some clues to better understand his most unknown work, and suggests that after the controversy unleashed in Cannes his career changed forever."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Juan Antonio Herrera does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Ignacio Masllorens is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 13 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Commentary on Les Autres truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Commentary on Les Autres explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ignacio Masllorens respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Commentary on Les Autres is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Juan Antonio Herrera or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Commentary on Les Autres is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.