The Window (Wednesdaty, October 7, 2009) (140)

This is a very small and lovely Argentine film about an old man in the last days of his life who is bed-ridden in his country home. He is pre-occupied with the imminent visit of his estranged son, a concert pianist working in Europe. After gazing out the window at the beautiful day, he escapes his servants to go for a walk on his land. By the time his son arrives, his energy is nearly entirely spent and they can barely communicate before he passes away.

This poetic story is much more atmospheric, almost impressionistic, than narrative. The characters are beautifully sketched, but few details are given to us. The man is rich and formerly rather powerful, however the loss of his wife and the illness he is succumbing to have sapped his will. Still, he is proud and does not want to be seen as a helpless invalid in his son's eyes. Actor Antonio Larreta does a beautiful job in this role. The son is aloof and clearly had a falling-out with his father. He's somewhat caring, but distant. His lady friend is uncompromising and difficult and icy and unloving. It's actually very nice to have these schematic portraits of the characters rather than thick histories of each.

The film is very light and pure with a concentration on the texture and atmosphere of the house and surrounding areas. The decay of the once-grand estate is echoed by the man's worsening condition. This naturalism is underlined when the son and his girlfriend arrive with their mobile phones and modern ways.

There is not much story in the film, but it is beautiful and worth the 88 minutes it takes to watch.

Stars: 3 of 4