I watched it because I'd watch Bardem in anything, and also because somebody told me it was a good comedy, and indeed it is, but nothing more than that. It's a social comedy in a factory and there are funny lines and situations here and there, without it being a big laugh. You can sense there is a political/social message underlying, and it's not forced too heavily on the viewer. It's quite subtle. It's just that the whole of it is mildly interesting at best. There's no mise-en-scene work to speak of.
As for Bardem, it's a very good performance, deep-voiced, introspective at times. It's not too heavily satirical, but it's an annoying character by nature.
As for Bardem, it's a very good performance, deep-voiced, introspective at times. It's not too heavily satirical, but it's an annoying character by nature.