The Tree (2009) ( El árbol )

The Tree (2009) (DVD) (*)

~~$20.99~~ $14.97

Original Title: El árbol
Screened, competed or awarded at:
Other Film Festival Awards

Language Selections:
English ( Subtitles )
Spanish ( Dolby Digital 5.1 )

Product Origin/Format:
Spain ( PAL/Region 0 )

Running Time:
70 min + 30 min extras

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen

Special Features:
Anamorphic Widescreen
Biographies
Deleted Scenes
Filmographies
Interactive Menu
Scene Access
Short Film
Trailer(s)

Movie filmed in 2009 and produced in:
Mexico ( Latin America, Mexico )
Spain ( Spain, Portugal )

Directed By:
Carlos Serrano Azcona

Written By:
Carlos Serrano Azcona

Actors:
Antonio Martin Beato ..... Camello
David Bermejo ..... Marta
Ana Casado Boch ..... Lucia
Maria Brunete ..... Cura
Sara Montgomery Campbell ..... Santiago
Mayte Cedeño
Ignacio Cortes
Gabriela Ducca
Tito Ezeizabarrena
Rodolfo Gilmartin
María Dolores Nadal
Montxo Obeso
Bosco Sodi
Maria Solito
Merilú Solito

Synopsis:

Santiago's wife has thrown him out and a judge has barred him from seeing his children. By day, his life is chaotic - lost and alone, he wanders Madrid's artistic Malasaña neighborhood, joins in a soccer game, sleeps on a park bench - but at least he has his job as a bartender. Until, that is, he's fired under suspicion of having stolen money. Friends say they want to help this modern-day Job, but as any semblance of normal life drains away, Santiago insists he's fine and continues his aimless journey, a stranger in his own life. First-time writer/director Carlos Serrano Azcona lets his protagonist (played by Bosco Sodi, a nonpro who is actually best known in Mexico as a painter) pass almost unnoticed as he drifts at a hypnotic pace through his days, from a heroic intervention on behalf of a woman being harassed by strangers to an encounter with a neighbor who compassionately but firmly shoos him away from his family's home. Finally, Santiago finds a moment of peace when he meets his pot dealer on a hill overlooking the skyline, a moment that leads him to search for a deeper salvation - which he might just find on a high bridge in the middle of Madrid.

Sobering tale about the small-time loser Santiago, who roams the streets of a Spanish town after leaving his wife and children looking for ground under his feet. There only seems to be one way out for him. Surprising, Dardennesque debut by producer Serrano. Somewhere in a Spanish city, Santiago (in his 30s and played by the Mexican painter Bosco Sodi) roams aimlessly and lonely through the streets. His wife has thrown him out and the judge has decided that he cannot see his children for now. Santiago tries to put his life back together again from this unfortunate situation. He has a job in a friend's bar, but is given the sack. Little by little, his life falls apart. The camera (impressive work by David Valdeperez) follows him roaming the streets looking for work and for an aim in life. His only way out seems to be the highest bridge in the city... Scriptwriter and novice director Carlos Serrano Azcona (1969) previously worked on 'Japon' by Carlos Reygadas, who is co-producer this time, as is the Spaniard Jaime Rosales, director of e.g. 'Bullet in the Head'. The form and style of 'The Tree' were partly inspired by the work of the Dardenne Brothers, but Serrano Azcona was also influenced by the possibilities of modern video cameras, as previously revealed by Albert Serra ('Honour of the Knights') and Rafa Cortes ('Yo'). The result is a dynamic yet restrained and contemplative film. The Tree opens the eyes of the viewer to everyday despair and existential hope, culminating in a climax that has to be seen to be 'believed'.

Follows the filmmaker's parents' steps in trying to save a tree that was planted on the day he was born.

This product was added to our catalog on Monday 26 September, 2011.

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