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Capone Is Haunted By GOYA'S GHOSTS!
Hey all. Capone in Chicago here.
Director Milos Forman (ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST, AMADEUS, THE PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLYNT) is one of the few gods still making movies today. His films are not always easy to embrace, but I can't think of a time when he has shown signs of letting his vision waver or his enthusiasm falter. GOYA'S GHOST is a mesmerizing film that had me experience every emotion available to me: outrage, compassion, revulsion, pity and, finally, an overwhelming confirmation that throughout history justice is rarely served in full. As the title suggests, the film involved the celebrated 18th century Spanish artist Francisco Goya (played as something of a duplicitous business man by Stellan Skarsgard. Goya worked for royalty and religious leaders, but he also did a series of etchings that painted the church in an unfavorable light. (Remember that Goya worked in during the time of the Spanish Inquisition.)
But the character of Goya is more of an observer of events than an full-fledged participant. He is our eyes and ears, and his life in these changing revolutionary times never really seems in danger. Playing both sides of the fence had its advantages. One of his major subjects in the church was Brother Lorenzo (the soft-spoken but utterly creepy Javier Bardem), who worked closely within the Inquisition's inner sanctum without actually taking part in any of their more wicked pursuits. While posing for Goya, he notices the face of a young woman in one of the other paintings in the room. He recognizes her as a frequent model for Goya, and it's clear that his holy loins are rumbling for her. The woman in question is the teenage Ines (Natalie Portman), the daughter of a local businessman who is brutally tortured and sent to prison for being Jewish (Ines is not Jewish, but when a casual comment about not liking pork is overheard in a tavern, the wheels of the Inquisition begin turning against her).
Since Ines' family is also a major commission of Goya's, he begs Lorenzo to intercede on behalf of the family to get her out of jail. Lorenzo is unsuccessful in his attempts, but he does visit Ines in jail more than once to "pray with her," a process which leads to his taking advantage of her vulnerable state.
Fifteen years pass, the church's brutal behavior has taken its toll on the populace. Napoleon takes advantage of what he perceives as a turning of the tide and invades Spain, killing and arresting those in power (including Ines' family) and freeing those held in prisons as a result of the Inquisition. The sight of Portman's character after 15 years in a nasty jail is one I will never forget. I didn't think it was possible for me to be repulsed by the lovely Natalie, but Forman manages the impossible. She looks 70 years old, when in fact Ines is supposed to be in her 30s. Her jaw seems out of line, her hair and skin have faded to colorless. But the true testament to Portman's talents as an actress, she maintains a look in her eye--half mad, half dead--that is impossible to shake. She's also almost completely insane as she's cut loose into the world with no family or friends. Somehow she lands on Goya's doorstep, where she mentions she had a daughter in prison which was taken from her immediately.
Not knowing the connection between Ines and the priest, Goya seeks help from Lorenzo in finding the child, and the two men race to find out her whereabouts. I don't want to reveal too much more beyond this point in the plot, since so much more happens and GOYA'S GHOST does manage to have more than a few surprises before its bittersweet conclusion. Portman and Bardem are glorious in their roles. I've long been a Bardem admirer, and he's managed to make so many great films without really being recognized as one of the most dependable and strong actors working today. The good news is, we'll be seeing him more this year in much higher-profile works than this, which is in no way me telling you to ignore his work here. Quite the contrary, this is one of his most unusual roles. Lorenzo seems like an otherwise admirable man until he starts molesting Ines in prison, an event that seems to take him almost by surprise.
I wish I knew how much of what happens in GOYA'S GHOST is based on fact, but even if the film is total fiction, I'd recommend it without reservation. If I had to fault the film for anything, it's that I didn't learn all that much about Goya himself, besides the fact that he lost his hearing at some point in his life. But Goya as the not-so-casual observer and occasional participant is exactly what is needed in a story that is really about this unique and moving story of the priest and the young woman. It's not a movie that is always pleasant to experience (if you did find it all agreeable, I'd think there was something wrong with you), but it is one that is easy to appreciate and respect the craftsmanship of one of the world's great living filmmakers.
Capone
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hhhhhhh
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If i was forced to rank them...that movie always gets me...
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LORD RANDO STRIKES!!!!
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Try " Goya" by Robert Hughes....
a very good book, for a man who made some very creepy paintings. -
. . . I can still sit and stare at Saturn Devouring His Children and think it's one of the darkest, most disturbing images ever.
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...wasn't Natalie supposed to be naked in this movie? Capone, the REAL details please.
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Damn, over the last 3/4 year we got lots of movie first, here in Europe!
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I hope it's better than Goyer's Blade movies, or Goyer's Batman Begins! * guffaw *
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Big Stellan fan. Best thing BY FAR in Good Will Hunting, as just brilliant in everything else. Yay, go Stellen!
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love Amadeus, Cuckoos Nest and Man On The Moon...but this is a bit balls....seems a pity cos Natalie Portman tries so hard to be in intelligent, worthwhile flicks but so far shes only made two-Leon and Garden Sate...everything else is alright but...flawed immensely. and dont get me started on the shite that is Closer.
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works for me!
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Why would they be involved in a supernatural thriller?
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Fucking hated it. Zero suspense, non-existent acting. Visuals are good, but SO WHAT? But I think my american friends are mostly shallow and easily amused, that's why I predict this movie will get rave reviews in US.
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This message supposed to be on the Sunshine board, sorry!
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I was going to add my two cents about the mutant royalty he painted but name dropping books and paintings suddenly is making me gag.
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So wait, you were coming here to mention one of Goya's paintings, but instead you're bitching because someone else mentioned one too? Dumbass.
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Thank God that some directors are still around who are not aiming at the 'Transformers' audience.
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HERMIONE THE MUDBLOOD FINISHES OFF SNAPE. THE END. KEEP YOUR MONEY.
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If that turned out to be true and we then met face to face somehow, I'd get to see what my local jail looks like!
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there aint no jail round these parts.
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even Bardem cant save this one, Portman is at her Star War worst, pretty but lifeless. Movie looks good but doesnt go anywhere.
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You know, I've been really careful what I've been reading on the internet for the past few days knowing that I'd run into an asshole like you. But I love Milos Forman and really want to see Goya's Ghost at the Kendall in Cambridge this weekend. I figured this would be a good TB to read; see what other TBers would had to say about Forman and his past works (I love P vs.LF). And then I run across your talkback with the whole finale of the HP book in CAPS in your headline. Even if it's the real ending; even if it's not, I got to ask man: Why? Why did you do that? Seriously. Why? Because I don't want to write you off as a worthless piece of shit. What compelled you to do that? Sorry, if you think I'm over-reacting. I can guess you (and some others) will follow up my post with all sorts of insults declaring me a whining HP loving pussy. But, hey, that's me. I'm a fan and I couldn't wait to read this book from cover to cover and discover the ending for myself. You know, I was planning to go to the huge release party in Harvard Square tonight, taking my sister with me. We were going to read the book together. But then my job is making me fly to NY tonight and now I have to miss the party and most of all, not go with my sister. I land at 10pm tonight, going to drop my shit off at the hotel, and then cabbing it to the nearest bookstore. I've been pissed all week that my original plans have been dashed due to work but was just starting to get over it today. Then I scroll across your post. At first I thought you were taking a stab at Knowles because it just didn't click in my brain who "HARRY" was (barely any sleep last night). Then I keep scrolling, it sinks in, and then my stomach hits the floor. Whether what you said is true or not, man, you've just ruined this whole experience for me . Save my money? I'll spend my money on whatever I goddamn please. I earned it. It's mine. And I'll decide how I want to spend it. Hell, if you wrote an actual review of the book (spoiler free), I could at least respect that! But you weren't interested in saving me money, you only wanted to ruin it for me and any other HP fan who have put money down on book reservations and that are going to waiting in VERY LONG lines tonight to experience something that we all wanted to discover for ourselves. But you don't care and you're probably laughing at me right now. But you know what? I work hard. I pay my taxes. I treat my fellow man/woman with respect. I try my hardest to empathize with others. I try to be a giving person. I abide by the law. I try every day to be the best person I can. Life is work, it's hard work. And at the end of the day you just want to enjoy the little things that are yours and yours alone. A nice meal, a glass of wine (or 3), a good movie/videogame/book, whatever. This book was one of those little things that I was looking forward to. And you took it away from me. It may be silly to you but I GUARANTEE you that one day you will understand what I feel right now. Regardless if what your wrote is total BS, it's now going to be haunting the back of my mind for every page that I read, thus spoiling the experience for me. Am I overreacting? Maybe, but I don't think so. Am I being just a little too fanboy over this? Possibly, but I think were all big fanboys/fangirls over here at AICN so I would hope somebody at leasts empathizes with me. But hey, you did what you felt you had to do. And that's why, despite the fact that I don't know you at all, I can confidently say that I hate you. I hate you! I really hate you! Thanks, a lot!
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You have guaranteed ample fodder for yourself as you masturbate tonight...have a blast!
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I happened upon a much more detailed set of "spoilers" which were purportedly based on a copy of a PHOTOGRAPHED copy of the book (with images of the purloined copy included, to evidence the story). The "spoilers" I read don't match the ones above, so your reading experience may yet be untainted.
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And I mean that sincerely. Thank you!
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Well done - you've done a good service here.
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I've already read the book, and those spoilers are fake as shit. It's a great read, much better than that.
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you hate EVERYTHING, lol...
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Don't worry chums.
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First off, Strabo, I came here to read this article, not to comment on it. I thought I'd write my two cents, but then I saw the talkbalk was becoming a masterbatory exercise in namedropping and posing. "Oh, do read this book, it's an exceptional account." "Ah yes, I do so love the royal portraits. A remarkable example of this and that." Sorry if I decided to show restraint and not get involved with that kind of posturing. And BadWonka, I didn't say I hated anything about this movie or Goya.
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Why you guys gotta spoil my spoilers. I mean come on. What has the world come too when a dude on the internet can't even lie to dorks anymore. I just want to make people miserable and you gotta come with your sunshine, shining on the parade I'm trying to rain on. Bah Humbug.
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I knew everyone was going to rat me out anyhow. How much happier are you now? Isn't it a good. To go from misery to relief. It's the best feeling in the world. I think I have done YOU a service. Maybe it is one day YOU who will know how I feel right now. How glorious it is. You'll understand one day. But until then... You are welcome.
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Since you are in New York, maybe you should come thank me yourself. I'll be at the Union Square Barnes and Nobles release party wearing a white T shirt with a fake ending written on my chest. Just follow the tears, you'll find me. I'll also be tripping on mushrooms. I love my life. It's the most wonderful time of the year.
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Not only do you have to spoil the fucking harry potter ending, you have to put it in CAPITAL FUCKING LETTERS. FUCK YOU, I KICK TITS.
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Such a shitty title, Milos. What were you thinking? I still love you, though.
... I mean, seriously, have you people seen Hair? See it stoned. It's the most brilliant musical ever (until Hedwig came out). Every SHOT in that fucker is mired in symbolism. -
V FOR VENDETTA: Even unwashed, no make-up, head shaved and dressed in a burlap sack, Natalie Portman was still the most beautiful woman ever to walk this earth.
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she was good as a kid but she just didn't develop a personality as an actress.
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Jesus, that film is just PURE acting .Raw emotion, and talent everywhere. I can maybe see people finding it boring, and uninteresting, but I do not see how anyone could honestly think that the actors did a bad job in that movie. MAYBE you could say Roberts did a mediocre job. But Portman and Owen knock it out of the park. "Because I'm a fucking caveman" indeed.
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is a piece of shit
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I'll just wait till someone posts it all on wikpedia like i did for all of them after i got hooked on the movies somewhere between Chamber of Secrets and Prisioner.
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I heard this movie was terrible.
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