Is The Strategic Legacy of Juan Perón Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)
In 1971, during the Spain of the last Franco, Solanas and Getino frequented Juan Perón's residence in Puerta de Hierro to film - secretly - two long documentaries with the former president. They were six months of travel between Madrid and Rome, where the montage was made, hiding the negatives that were filmed and avoiding López Rega's claim to take possession of them. In the summer of 2012, Solanas began filming The Legacy in the residence that Perón and Evita built in San Vicente in 1947. During three years the film was being put together and at the same time photographic archives and documents were investigated. For the first time, fragments of unpublished recordings of the informal conversations that Solanas and Getino had with Perón are used.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Documentary cinema, then The Strategic Legacy of Juan Perón offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2016 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Debuting in 2016, The Strategic Legacy of Juan Perón represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In 1971, during the Spain of the last Franco, Solanas and Getino frequented Juan Perón's residence in Puerta de Hierro to film - secretly - two long documentaries with the former president. 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 1971, during the Spain of the last Franco, Solanas and Getino frequented Juan Perón's residence in Puerta de Hierro to film - secretly - two long documentaries with the former president. They were six months of travel between Madrid and Rome, where the montage was made, hiding the negatives that were filmed and avoiding López Rega's claim to take possession of them. In the summer of 2012, Solanas began filming The Legacy in the residence that Perón and Evita built in San Vicente in 1947. During three years the film was being put together and at the same time photographic archives and documents were investigated. For the first time, fragments of unpublished recordings of the informal conversations that Solanas and Getino had with Perón are used."
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. The presence of Fernando E. Solanas provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.
The direction by Fernando E. Solanas 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 103 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 The Strategic Legacy of Juan Perón 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, The Strategic Legacy of Juan Perón explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2016 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Fernando E. Solanas 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, The Strategic Legacy of Juan Perón 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 Fernando E. Solanas or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Strategic Legacy of Juan Perón is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.7 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.