A Worthy "Secret"

About two weeks ago I went to see "The Secret in their Eyes" (El Secreto de sus Ojos) - this year's Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film. Since I had already seen Michael Haneke's "The White Ribbon" and Jacques Audiard's "A Prophet" - both excellent films in their own right that also competed for the Foreign Film prize - I wasn't feeling that enthused about "Secret." After all, I was one of many 'film snobs' that were shocked and disappointed that this film beat Haneke's and Audiard's. Now that I've seen the Foreign Language winner, however, I can firmly attest that it is, indeed, a very effective and gripping romantic drama.

The film (directed by veteran TV filmmaker Juan José Campanella), spans over twenty-five years and focuses on the grisly rape and murder of a young woman - a case which a dogged criminal investigator (the always excellent Ricardo Darín), becomes committed to resolving. The murder occurs in 1974, at the same time when Darín's Esposito begins working for the newly-appointed Assistant D.A. (Soledad Villamil). Soon enough, the investigation gets hastily resolved and forgotten by everyone except Esposito, who - decades later, and now retired - decides to write a novel about the case, and in turn, re-connect with Villamil's Irene, whom he always had a deep love for. The film presents a sprawling story that weaves a police procedural/"thriller" with romantic elements. At its essence, Campanella's narrative deals with the impermanence of time and the struggles we endure for love despite all the insurmountable obstacles. "Secret" does not necessarily 'reinvent the wheel' in its plot construction, but it does provide top-notch performances from the cast (particularly Darín, who's been perfect before in Nine Queens and The Aura) and an equally-gripping story with a realistic socio-political undercurrent. Despite the nonlinear structure, Campanella executes a fairly conventional plot in how he addresses and presents his story. However, in one particular chase sequence through a soccer stadium - with Esposito and his alcoholic partner (Guillermo Francella) running after a murder suspect - Campanella employs masterful camerawork by covering the entire chase in one kinetic, free-roaming shot (similar in style and approach to this film's opening).

While I don't wholeheartedly agree with the Academy's decision to bestow the Best Foreign Film Oscar to this film, I can nevertheless understand why they did so. Oscar voters tend to opt for safer, audience-friendly choices over gutsier fare (last year's "Departures" winning over "Waltz with Bashir," the criminally-overrated "Life is Beautiful" winning in '99) and, while this year was no different with "Secret," the film still deserves the acclaim it's gotten. It is a potent narrative that keeps you engaged throughout, and one that continues to herald the strong and assured filmmaking in Argentinean cinema.

"The Secrets in their Eyes" is currently playing at the Angelika Film Center (18 West Houston).