Finding Altamira (2016)

Film Introduction
"Finding Altamira" is a 2016 historical drama film that tells the story of Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, a Spanish amateur archaeologist, who is credited with the discovery of prehistoric paintings in the Altamira caves. The film presents an engaging account of individual sacrifices, family struggles, and the fierce academic criticism that accompanied this significant historical discover. Antonio Banderas depicts Marcelino in this informative and psychological story directed by Hugh Hudson and composed by Olivia Hetreed and José Luis López-Linares.

Plot Overview
Embed in 1879, the movie follows Marcelino, an affluent legal representative and part-time archaeologist, who discovers ancient cave paintings on his estate in Cantabria, Spain. Throughout an excavation with his young daughter Maria, they stumble upon what would later on become one of the world's most significant prehistoric art discoveries - the Altamira cave drawlings. Initially, he commemorated the discovery with his family and close friends however it quickly attracted the attention of the larger public and scholars who questioned its authenticity.

Battles and Conflict
As news of the discovery spreads, Marcelino and his findings become a topic of extreme analysis by the deeply conservative Catholic Church and the scientific neighborhood. The Church knocks the paintings as heretical, as they oppose the extensively accepted belief of the time relating to the world's production. Meanwhile, the scientific neighborhood, lead by French paleontologist, Émile Cartailhac, label them as forgeries. Marcelino's credibility and expert reliability get tainted as he battles relentlessly to show the credibility of his findings.

Acknowledgment and Resolution
Tensions intensify within his extended family as his partner, Conchita, struggles to keep the home together amidst the growing negative spotlight. They are ostracized socially, and their lives take a downturn. Nevertheless, Marcelino stays undeterred. Eventually, after many tests and scholarly arguments, his discovery is acknowledged as genuine. However regrettably by then, the ongoing tension has taken a toll on his health, leading to his unforeseen death. Marcelino passes away prior to he can delight in the vindication of his discovery, but his name stays permanently related to the critical find that challenged religious and scientific beliefs.

Style and Message
"Finding Altamira" supplies a truthful representation of the battles faced by pioneers who push the boundaries of human knowledge, just to be shunned by society for their boldness. The movie likewise underscores the conflict between faith and reason, showing how it requires time for traditional belief systems to accept empirical findings that challenge their dogmas. The idea of 'seeing is thinking', a prevalent theme throughout the film, is repeated in various contexts, highlighting the importance and problem of gaining approval for advanced concepts.

Conclusion
"Finding Altamira" is a narrative of struggle and resilience showed in the face of familial, social, and institutional rejection. It celebrates Marcelino's tradition and pays tribute to his diligence and decision to maintain the reality amidst prevailing cynicism and skepticism. The film is a meditation on human development and the lots of hardships encountered by those strong enough to challenge the status quo, making it an intriguing watch infused with historic accounts.

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