Neruda (2016)

Neruda Poster

It’s 1948 and the Cold War has arrived in Chile. In the Congress, prominent Communist Senator and popular poet Pablo Neruda accuses the government of betraying the Party and is stripped of his parliamentary immunity by President González Videla. The Chief of Investigative Police instructs inspector Óscar Peluchonneau to arrest the poet. Neruda tries to escape from the country with his wife, the painter Delia del Carril, but they are forced to go underground.

Introduction to "Neruda"
"Neruda", released in 2016, is a biographical drama directed by Pablo Larraín. The movie is embeded in Chile in 1948 and is motivated by the life of the Nobel Prize-winning poet and politician, Pablo Neruda. Instead of a standard biopic, the movie provides a mix of reality and fiction, producing an almost mythic expedition of the poet's life during a vital period in which he was a fugitive from his own nation due to his communist beliefs.

Political Tensions and Neruda's Flight
The film begins by depicting the political tension in Cold War-era Chile, with the federal government of President Gabriel González Videla forbiding communism, which straight affects Neruda (played by Luis Gnecco) since of his role as a communist senator and his well known status as a poet. Neruda's criticism of the government lands him in trouble and eventually, an arrest warrant is issued. This forces Neruda and his dedicated wife Delia del Carril (Mercedes Morán) to go into hiding.

The Cat-and-Mouse Chase
"Neruda" then moves its focus to an imaginary authorities inspector, Óscar Peluchonneau (Gael García Bernal), who is obsessively pursuing Neruda. The film handles the qualities of a detective story, with the inspector always a few steps behind the elusive poet. The chase is essential to the movie's narrative tension, as Peluchonneau deals with both the physical obstacles of the pursuit and the social and political subtleties of the time.

Neruda, meanwhile, enjoys his prestige and discovers ways to mock the authorities, leaving clues and playing up to his epic personality. The chase acts as a platform for Neruda to strengthen his legend, engage with his fans, and create a story that positions him as a sign of strength and resistance against injustice.

Thematic Depth and Symbolism
While the film is named after and focuses on Pablo Neruda, Óscar Peluchonneau also stumbles upon as a main figure, representing the government's authority and its uncomfortable relationship with dissent. His inner monologues and the way his character develops throughout the film stimulate styles of identity, storytelling, and the power of myth.

"Neruda" isn't just a tale of political experience; it's also a reflection on the function of artists in society. Pablo Larraín highlights Neruda's ability to blend his poetic perceptiveness into the stark political realities of the time. The film expertly records the concept of Neruda as a necessary beacon for Chilean identity and pride, through his poetry and social advocacy.

Cinematic Style and Performances
Larraín's unique style, with its mix of haunting images and spirited narrative structure, permits the film to blur the lines in between truth and fiction, just like Neruda's poetry frequently does. Sergio Armstrong's cinematography complements the story, capturing the enchanting Chilean landscapes, from the snowy Andes to the starkness of the desert, thus posing as a quiet character in the epic pursuit.

Performance-wise, Luis Gnecco lives in the function of Pablo Neruda with a fascinating grace, embodying the poet's flamboyance and depth. Gael García Bernal provides a nuanced portrayal of Peluchonneau, offering the audience with a character that exudes both vulnerability and determination.

Conclusion
In summary, "Neruda" is less a straightforward biographical recount and more of a poetic interpretation of the substantial episode in the poet's life. Through its richly textured narrative, striking visuals, and outstanding efficiencies, the movie commemorates Pablo Neruda's enduring effect, not only on Chilean culture but also on the world's understanding of poetry as a kind of political and individual expression.

Top Cast

  • Gael García Bernal (small)
    Gael García Bernal
    Oscar Peluchoneau
  • Luis Gnecco (small)
    Luis Gnecco
    Pablo Neruda
  • Mercedes Morán (small)
    Mercedes Morán
    Delia del Carril
  • Emilio Gutiérrez Caba (small)
    Emilio Gutiérrez Caba
    Picasso
  • Diego Muñoz (small)
    Diego Muñoz
    Martínez
  • Alejandro Goic (small)
    Alejandro Goic
    Jorge Bellet
  • Pablo Derqui (small)
    Pablo Derqui
    Victor Pey
  • Marcelo Alonso (small)
    Marcelo Alonso
    Pepe Rodríguez
  • Michael Silva (small)
    Michael Silva
    Álvaro Jara
  • Francisco Reyes (small)
    Francisco Reyes
    Bianchi
  • Jaime Vadell (small)
    Jaime Vadell
    Jorge Alessandri