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6.7/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.7/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. El linyera remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have the patience for black-and-white cinema that doesn't feel the need to scream at you, sure. It’s for the folks who like stories about people simply existing. If you need a plot that moves faster than a tractor in low gear, stay away.
Mario Soffici is the whole reason this works. He’s got this face that looks like it’s been carved out of dry earth, and you can tell he’s seen enough of the world to be tired of it. When he finally steps back onto that dusty ground, there’s no big, dramatic swell of music. Just a guy, his shadow, and the weight of his own choices.
The pacing is… well, it takes its sweet time. There’s a scene where he’s just sitting there, not saying a word, and you start wondering if the film skipped a beat. But then he looks up, and you realize he’s just processing the fact that he’s actually back. It reminded me a bit of the way characters drift through À nous la liberté, though this is a lot less chaotic and a lot more somber. 🌾
Sometimes the movie gets a little too stuck in its own head. There’s a stretch in the middle where it feels like the director forgot to give the supporting cast something to actually do. They just stand there looking vaguely concerned. It feels a bit like those old shorts, maybe a little bit of the aimless energy you find in Just Dogs, but without the barking.
I caught myself looking at the background more than the actors for a bit. The landscape feels like a character that’s been holding its breath for years. It’s not flashy, but it’s real. 🎞️
Is it a masterpiece? Probably not. Does it stick with you? Yeah, like the grit in your boots after a long walk. It’s imperfect, a little dusty, and it’s probably better for it.