Retro Film Review: Intacto (2001)

(source: tmdb.org)

The Spanish cinema industry was the most vibrant among all European cinema industries at the start of 21st Century, as evidenced by its increasing popularity with Hollywood for remakes. Spanish films, particularly those in the thriller genre, have garnered critical acclaim and praise. One such film is Intacto (2001), the directorial debut of Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, which is one of the few debuts earmarked for remake in Hollywood.

The film opens in a desert casino run by Samuel Berg (played by Max von Sydow), a Holocaust survivor with an extraordinary ability to steal others' luck. One of Samuel's employees is Federico (played by Eusebio Poncela), an earthquake survivor with the same gift, used to help the casino when customers win too much. When Federico attempts to start his own business, Samuel takes away his luck. Seven years later, Federico seeks revenge by finding individuals with extraordinary luck and pitting them against Samuel. One such candidate is Tomas Sanz (played by Leonardo Sbaraglia), a bank robber who miraculously survived a disastrous plane crash. Federico aids Tomas in escaping from the hospital and introduces him to the underground world of those testing their extraordinary luck through bizarre games of chance. Simultaneously, Tomas is being pursued by Sara (played by Monica Lopez), a police inspector who miraculously survived a car crash that claimed the lives of her husband and daughter.

Intacto boasts an intriguing premise that captivates the audience from the outset. Fresnadillo's decision to leave the nature of the protagonist's 'gift' ambiguous, whether it is a supernatural force or a combination of statistics and self-fulfilling prophecies, is a stroke of genius. This question is left to the viewers, who can also appreciate the stylish atmosphere of a world that is both surreal and banally realistic. The cinematography by Xavi Gimenez and Lucio Godoy's music significantly contribute to this effect. Fresnadillo demonstrates great skill in crafting memorable scenes, showcasing a deep admiration for the works of David Lynch.

The most striking aspect of Intacto is Max von Sydow's iconic presence as a veteran Swedish actor. His scenes, particularly those at the beginning and end of the film, are the best. The rest of the cast also delivers strong performances, particularly Eusebio Poncela, whose character is as pitiful as von Sydow's was formidable. Unfortunately, by the film's conclusion, it becomes clear that Fresnadillo struggled to decide how to effectively utilise such a compelling premise. The plot resolution seems forced and unconvincing. However, the overall impression left by Intacto remains positive. It is one of those European genre films that, while not reaching the heights of genre excellence, still outshine their Hollywood counterparts.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

(Note: Original version of the review is available here