Javier Bardem takes his time. He's all sweet talk, big hugs and grand gestures; the beloved company boss, a greying father figure to his devout worker family, dispensing sage advice to increase productivity, and poetic goodbyes to those who sadly, he must let go. It is a grand performance, equal in measures of velvety charm and cut-throat viciousness.
Running a scale company - someone has to make 'em - seems innocuous enough, but every business has its dark cloud lurking in a silver lining. In order to capture yet another business award for his busy trophy wall, Julio Blanco puts the squeeze on his obedient minions, gently releases workers because the numbers deem it, and swoops in on young female interns all too eager for some life lessons. Charmingly so.
A juicy role which gives Bardem plenty of flexibility to expertly morph his character to suit the situation, the boss is his. Unfortunately the film cannot quite keep up. What should be a burning thriller, climaxing in resolution of several riveting plot lines, augmented with biting comedic touches, fizzles. Falls flat it does.
Social satire deserves more bite. This appetizer needs a better main course. Still, Bardem is excellent, and as usual, well worth the see.
Running a scale company - someone has to make 'em - seems innocuous enough, but every business has its dark cloud lurking in a silver lining. In order to capture yet another business award for his busy trophy wall, Julio Blanco puts the squeeze on his obedient minions, gently releases workers because the numbers deem it, and swoops in on young female interns all too eager for some life lessons. Charmingly so.
A juicy role which gives Bardem plenty of flexibility to expertly morph his character to suit the situation, the boss is his. Unfortunately the film cannot quite keep up. What should be a burning thriller, climaxing in resolution of several riveting plot lines, augmented with biting comedic touches, fizzles. Falls flat it does.
Social satire deserves more bite. This appetizer needs a better main course. Still, Bardem is excellent, and as usual, well worth the see.
- hipCRANK.