It's not unusual for a family to go through a crisis. But what if every day presented a crisis of some sort? I ask the question by way of introducing Olmo, a movie about a Mexican-American family living in Las Cruces, N.M. in 1979. Aivan Uttapa plays the title character, a young man who is often called upon to care for his quadriplegic father (Gustavo Sánchez Parra). Burdened by the need to work, Mom (Andrea Suárez Paz) relies on Olmo and his sister (Rosa Armendariz) for help around the house. Olmo does help, but typical teenage impulses and needs often conflict with his familial role. Olmo focuses his hormonal attentions on Nina (Melanie Frometa), a girl who lives across the street. Director Fernando Eimbcke mostly adopts Olmo's point-of-view, developing the story around attempts by Olmo and best friend Miguel (Diego Olmeda) to attend a party Nina has told them about. They're welcome -- providing they bring a stereo. A scene in which Dad gives Olmo a lesson in stereo repair becomes a mini-study of father/son tensions. All the performances are good, and young Olmeda is perfect as a kid who supports his friend, tries to learn how to dance, and follows Olmo when he mistakes a home where a funeral is being held for the location of the party they hope to crash. Olmo has serious moments, but Eimbcke's affection for the characters is palpable, and we feel it too.
No comments:
Post a Comment