Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Julio Medem: Lucía y el sexo / Sex and Lucia (2001)

Set mostly in Madrid and on the little Balearic Island of Formentera off the Mediterranean coast of Spain, Julio Medem's Lucía y el sexo / Sex and Lucia (2001) has an offbeat David Lynch vibe and a cool lead with Paz Vega playing Lucía
Because Sex and Lucia seems to revolve around not only Lucía but also her paramour Lorenzo (Tristán Ulloa), a writer, it can be tricky figuring out what exactly is "real" in the plot and what is imagined -- or happening in a parallel world.  Lorenzo is working on a novel, or two novels, on a computer in Madrid, but he's also corresponding with a woman on Formentera via the same computer.  Do all of the characters even exist? It's worth noting that Pepe, Lorenzo's literary agent, is played by Javier Cámara -- the same guy who plays "the weirdo" in Pedro Almodóvar's Hable con ella / Talk to Her (2002).   

I come away from this wondering: is the island really "hollow" or "floating?" How many rock holes are there, for God's sake?

Sex and Lucia looks good -- nice work by cinematographer Kiko de la Rica. The music (by Alberto Iglesias -- another direct link to Almodóvar) fits in well, too.

Today's Rune: Signals.  


6 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

Lynch vibe eh? I'll have to tell Lana. She is a big fan

t said...

I watched this with a Spanish friend in '05. Had no idea what the film was about. Swimming, fish, sex, I remember, but the story?

Erik Donald France said...

Thanks y'all for the comments ~! t, I think that most of the bizarre subplot is derived from the writer's second draft novel, and is in his head, as a reaction to Lucia becoming somewhat bored by him and his earlier draft novel.

The overlaying plot is more about Lucia and the writer's relationship outright.

However, it's ambiguous enough to take anything from it, pretty much.

Luma Rosa said...

Hi, Erik!
Julio Medem every movie has been building a strong and cohesive work, always characterized by risk, curiosity and uneasiness that causes the viewer.
Watched "The Lovers of the Arctic Circle" (do not know how to call there) but not yet watched "Sex and Lucia". Is a tip for the weekend!
Good finde...
beijus,

the walking man said...

Maybe the sub plot is the plot and the plot is found in the computer sitting on the hard drive unremembered?

Barbara Bruederlin said...

I will watch out for this film, thanks! I like me some ambiguity.