Memories of Underdevelopment (1968)

Memories of Underdevelopment (Memorias del subdesarrollo)
Directed by Tomas Gutierrez Alea
Written by Tomas Guiterrez Alea and Edmundo Desnoes from a novel by Desnoes
1968/Cuba
IMDb link
First viewing/Netflix rental
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

 “A revolution is not a bed of roses. A revolution is a struggle between the future and the past.” ― Fidel Castro

I went in expecting a propaganda piece and was pleasantly surprised to get an art movie that mostly leaves the viewer to draw his own conclusions.

The film takes place in Havana, Cuba in the months leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Sergio (Sergio Corrieri- be still my beating heart) is a member of the landed gentry who makes his living from rents.  He also is a deep thinker and travels in artistic, intellectual circles.  As the film begins, Sergio’s wife has packed her bags for Miami.  His parents follow her and the diaspora includes many of his friends.  For some reason, clearly not exactly idealogical, Sergio elects to stay behind.

Sergio picks up a teenager from the street, takes her back to his place and seduces her.  They part on good terms but she cries rape and Sergio learns that class no longer protects him.   By the end of the film, it is clear that the Cuban Government will take all Sergio’s property eventually but Castro’s minions are quite polite about it.

The plot plays a small part in the overall effect of this film.  It is really a character study and a think piece.  We are privy to Sergio’s thoughts through the ample use of first-person voice-over narration in which he reflects on the past and comes to terms with the present. The direction is stylish.  Other treats are the cinematography and score.  Recommended.