Death of a Cyclist
Directed by Juan Antonio Bardem
Written by Juan Antonio Bardem and Luis Fernando de Igoa
1955/Spain/Italy
Guión Producciones Cinematográficas/Suevio Films-Cesáreo Gonzáles/Triumfal Cine
First viewing/Netflix rental
[box] I am responsible only to God and history. — Francisco Franco[/box]
This story of the destruction of couple by their selfishness and guilt is meant to be an allegory to Spain’s Franco regime. I don’t know if I got many of the references but it sure is beautiful to look at.
A couple are driving down a lonely country road when their car accidentally hits an elderly bicyclist. The man, Juan (Alberto Cosas), stops and determines that the rider is still breathing. His companion, Maria José (Lucia Bosé), gets behind the wheel, beckons her companion to join her, and speeds off.
We learn that they were high school sweethearts and are now lovers. Maria José is married to Miguel, a wealthy member of the elite. Miguel is also Juan’s brother-in-law and used his influence to get Juan his position as an adjunct professor of mathematics at the university.
Both of the lovers are totally distracted by their guilt and fear of discovery. Juan is so distraught that he makes a major error at school. Matters get even worse when Rafa, a jealous and obnoxious critic, reveals that he saw the couple driving together on the road and threatens to tell Miguel. Rafa refuses to reveal anything else he may know and report.
The couple themselves make matters worse and worse. By the end of the story, each partner sees a different way out of their dilemma.
This is one of those film with a lot of long silences that would probably bear rewatching to fully understand. If the viewer sticks with it, s/he will be rewarded with a very powerful, albeit a bit too pat, ending. I can’t say I loved the film but I wouldn’t mind trying it again. Both the cinematography and the actors are very beautiful.
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