Little Ashes – DVD Review
The Film:
Little Ashes is every bit as artistic as its subject matter. This film is about painter Salvador Dali and poet Frederico Garcia Lorca. The two met in 1922 in Madrid, Spain, at the School of Fine Arts. This is the story of their relationship, which eventually developed into something more than friendship.
The film itself takes on the artistic nature of Dali and Lorca. At times, the individual scenes seem almost like a piece of landscape art. Or a surreal painting, like one scene in particular – in which Dali and Lorca go rowing at night and dive into the water. It has a sense of gracefulness to it, from the way Dali first steps out of the car to the swirling waters while they are rowing. The filmmakers even seemed pay homage to Dali himself in the way the colors of the film almost match the color of his paintings.
Although Dali might be the more recognizable of the names in the film, the main character is Lorca. Javier Beltran’s performance led the rest of the cast with an understated authority. You feel his love of the written word, his family and his country. As Lorca, his passion for art and life is strong but quiet, which is the perfect compliment to Dali’s more exaggerated fanaticism.
Robert Pattinson’s performance as Dali is a revelation. He captures Dali’s transformation from awkward, shy schoolboy with bob haircut and ruffled shirt to the enigmatic, eccentric painter with a pointed moustache. There are times when Pattinson’s Dali is flat-out funny and times when he is almost haunted by his inner demons and uncertainties. He does well portraying Dali’s idiosyncrasies and exuberance. Yes, it is exaggerated, but I got the impression that is how the performance was intended to be. Pay particular attention to the ending scene. Only one word is spoken, but many conflicting emotions are communicated through black paint.
Now, this is where I need to give a word of caution. Pattinson has many younger fans who might be interested in seeing this DVD simply because he’s in it. However, it is rated R for a reason. The film deals with serious themes and has some language and sexual situations that might not be appropriate for young viewers.
This film is not only about a relationship, but also the political climate and social changes going on in Spain in the 1920s. Dali and Lorca don’t necessarily struggle with the idea of sexuality, but rather with how they could possibly be together in a social climate that simply won’t allow it. The theme of revolution and change undoubtedly colors this film as much as art does.
With that said, this film isn’t intended to be an autobiography of either Dali or Lorca. Instead, it’s just meant to tell a story. And between Beltran, Pattinson and the rest of the talented cast, an absorbing tale is woven.
Little Ashes did not get a wide release. Instead it played on the festival circuit and in small art house theaters. But I urge you to see it.
The DVD
Audio/Video
The audio seems quiet at times, but not to a point that is distracting. Music is a major part of this film. It is a help and never a hindrance. In addition, I did not find the parts spoken in Spanish and dubbed in English distracting.
Special Features:
There are only two special features on this DVD – the trailer and interviews with some of the cast and crew. This might be the one area where this DVD is lacking.
The Flick: Rating: 
The DVD: Rating:
