Movies

In ‘Afternoons of Solitude,’ bullfighting is presented both spiritually and as a blood sport

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In the skilled hands of renowned directors, a documentary can present something that your instincts might dismiss or even judge harshly. This is the predicament you might find yourself in with Albert Serra’s “Afternoons of Solitude,” his debut non-fiction work, which offers an unyielding perspective on bullfighting, revealing its quiet, elaborate traditions and brutal truths.

Regardless of whether you view the corrida as a cultural practice deserving special preservation or an outdated form of animal cruelty that should be abolished, one thing is undeniable: its unique and chilling portrayal of man versus beast. In this setting, Serra, who is accustomed to filming scenes filled with a sense of finality, has meticulously honed his calm, almost reverent camera skills, focusing particularly on Peruvian matador Andrés Roca Rey during various competitions.

In this production, we observe meticulous, reverent rituals accompanied by an abundance of blood, reminiscent of horror movies. The atmosphere suggests a testosterone-filled world that seems to defy the concept of progress. However, don’t anticipate any explanations or context for this primal contest. Despite the controversy surrounding bullfighting, the intricate details make this captivating, immersive piece all the more enchanting.

Serra is a dedicated minimalist who has a knack for extended shots and this makes him an unusually attentive, meticulously focused documentary maker. His latest work was the deliberately enigmatic 2022 French Polynesian political thriller “Pacifiction,” which tended to evoke colonial melancholy more through its landscapes painted in vivid hues than through any discernible storyline. Earlier, Serra’s frequent haunts were France’s historical past, where he created poignant living tableaux depicting somber bodily themes, with his prolonged bedroom drama “The Death of Louis XIV” being a notable example.

Movies

As a movie enthusiast, this upcoming season is shaping up to be quite promising! It’s packed with blockbuster hits that rival the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, thought-provoking indie films that offer a refreshing alternative, and a delightful selection of mindless entertainment that I believe is essential for any summer movie diet.

In other words, “Afternoons of Solitude,” despite its contemplative title, transforms into an action-packed movie for Serra when longtime cinematographer Artur Tort’s camera focuses on the bustling bullring. The broad vistas and natural colors are abandoned for a tight framing that follows both the tragic path of the bull from fierce combatant to ritualistically stabbed, gradually defeated warrior, as well as Rey’s performance as an eccentric maestro, showcasing his extravagant use of the muleta and dramatic poses.

1. The threat is very real, and on several occasions, Rey narrowly avoids severe harm. Yet, just as evident, almost everywhere you look, is the dreadful sight of a magnificent beast’s unavoidable fate being twisted into a gruesome dance of power. (It often seems like an unfair competition.) During the battle scenes, Serra seldom diverts from providing a grim spectacle – the instant when the light departs from a bull’s eyes upon its death strike, a moment that invariably carries a sense of mercy. That single truth is what makes the movie’s portrayal of the violence inherent in bullfighting strikingly candid.

2. The risk is palpable, with Rey coming close to serious injury on more than one occasion. However, just as tangible and nearly omnipresent, is the terror of a noble creature’s inevitable destiny being transformed into a ghastly ballet of domination. (There’s often an unfair feeling about it.) In the fight scenes, Serra rarely abandons the chance to show the light leaving a bull’s eyes after its fatal wound, a moment that always seems merciful. That one truth is what maintains the movie’s perspective on the brutality at the core of bullfighting incredibly honest.

3. The peril is evident, as Rey often narrowly escapes crippling injuries. Yet, just as apparent and almost everywhere you look, is the fear of a majestic creature’s inescapable fate being turned into an extravagant performance of power. (It frequently feels like an unfair contest.) In the fight sequences, Serra rarely steps away from offering a grim portrayal – the instant when the light departs from a bull’s eyes upon its death blow, a moment that invariably seems compassionate. That single truth is what keeps the movie’s standpoint on the violence at the heart of bullfighting strikingly genuine.

In Rey’s van and his luxury hotel room, a camera records moments of reflection from this youthful icon, surrounded by his rowdy crew who encourage him with words like “Your actions make the average seem envious!” and offer checks on his wellbeing. Dressing Rey for the elaborate bullfighter costume is a task for two people. In quiet instances, he might offer a quick prayer or kiss rosary beads. His dedication appears almost religious, suggesting this is more than just a career; it’s a calling. After all, confronting a wounded bull multiple times, one can hardly consider it merely a job.

Over time, Rey’s connection to the spiritual aspect of bullfighting continues to deepen. Since the title suggests multiple afternoons, one specific afternoon for the horned adversaries represents a moment of entertainment that is brutal and temporary. The film “Afternoons of Solitude,” by gracefully combining meditation and vulgarity, offers a chance to both shock and amaze without resorting to sensationalism or bias. It’s inhumane, it’s human, and it’s an extraordinary movie.

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2025-07-19 01:32

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