El Espíritu de la Colmena
(the Spirit of the Beehive) directed by Víctor Erice
1973 / Spain
Víctor Erice has only created a handful of films since his feature length debut, el Espirítu de la Colmena, in 1973. He followed it with El Sur ten years later and has continued to perplex admirers for his small collection of work. He isn’t the first to sporadically release films in such a manner, but with such an unbelievably natural aptitude one can only shake their head. “Beehive” was made at a time when el Caudillo was still the head of Spain and portraying post civil war Spain was usually done symbolically, in this instance with the help of chiaroscuro lighting. Although Franco’s hold was diminishing when this film was made, its depiction of a 1940 war torn Spain was pertinent.
The luminaries are Isabel and Ana, played by two six year old girls who deliver the most incredible expressions. Together they watch Frankenstein which leaves Ana to question the necessities of his choices, and proclaims that he exists as a spirit that can be called upon. She continues to search for him. While the story is charming the most stunning aspect of the film was the lighting. Erice is a master at creating films that resemble paintings and it’s easy to notice. Every scene is exceptionally beautiful and it’s impossible to turn away. Most remarkable was that cinematographer Luis Cuadrado was going blind during the filming. It’s an inimitable childhood story that revolves around two very fascinating girls, who embody that boundless curiosity that exists within us as youths.
VALERIE