Don't Look Down
Where to Watch Don't Look Down
Don't Look Down, or No Mires para Abajo, is a 2008 Argentinian film directed by the skilled filmmaker Eliseo Subiela. Award-winning actress Antonella Costa stars alongside breakout actor Leandro Stivelman, with the seasoned actor Hugo Arana sharing screen time as well. The film, deeply rooted in sensory exploration and self-discovery, is set amongst the breathtaking landscapes of Argentina's urban and rural locales. It's the type of film that lends itself to multiple analyses, unraveling different themes each time you watch it.
The film is centered around Eloy, played by Leandro Stivelman, a young man experiencing the most formative years of his life. Plagued by sleepwalking episodes and a roving curiosity, Eloy finds himself entering surrealist landscapes in his waking life. As he grapples with the reality of familial responsibilities after his father's loss, Eloy is thrust into an unplanned but intense study of his own masculinity and implicit understanding of the world.
To compound his confusion, Eloy encounters the bewitching Elvira, portrayed by Antonella Costa, an older woman with her mystical allure in her hands. Her character is a practitioner of Tantric and Taoist sexual arts, traditions that are suffused with mysticism and ancient wisdom. This encounter shakes up Eloy's world significantly, as Elvira's esoteric teachings question both his acquired maturity and his constructed understanding of life, love, and connection.
Subiela makes the film an exploration of the union of opposites, utilizing symbolic elements strongly reminiscent of Carl Jung's teachings. Don't Look Down delves deep into the exploration of the balance between the spiritual and physical mortal experience, challenging viewers to question the constraints of conventional societal norms, especially regarding sexuality.
Antonella Costa articulates a powerful performance that breathes life into Elvira's character, the primary instigator of change in Eloy's life. Elvira's understanding of the world, her grasp of ancient sexual philosophies, and her willingness to embrace life's deepest passions and pains drive a significant shift in Eloy's perception and understanding of himself and his world. Costa's performance is fully committed, and it effortlessly brings a sense of credibility to the mystical air surrounding Elvira.
Meanwhile, Leandro Stivelman’s portrayal of Eloy communicates the confusion and wonder that are so characteristic of his age. His relentless questioning of life, love, and self, spurred by his father's loss and his mystical experiences with Elvira, leads him through a transformative journey of self-discovery. Stivelman's performance showcases his ability to immerse himself in the role and navigate its emotional spectrum, matching stride with the film's seasoned actors.
Moreover, Hugo Arana’s performance adds depth and a hint of melancholy to the narrative, further enriching the impactful storyline. His acting prowess shines through his character, adding a layer of authenticity and grounding the film's supernatural undertones.
The cinematography in Don't Look Down deserves an acknowledgement for its impressive canvas of urban and rural Argentina. The film very much captures the essence and soul of its settings – the bustling city life, the hushed calm of the countryside, the ethereal beauty of the wilderness. Masterfully directed scenes and well-managed shots form a mesmerizing audio-visual experience that enhances the storyline's impact.
In Don't Look Down, viewers are pulled into a whirlwind of emotions and realizations, evoked through the experiences of an everyday man. The bold and thought-provoking narrative coupled with brilliant performances, make the film a compelling watch. It is an intriguing exploration of the unchartered territories of human spirituality, sensuous spirituality and the power to introspect and change. This narrative not only questions societal norms but also has the courage to provide an alternative perspective.
Don't Look Down is a remarkable film that bridges the divide between the physical and metaphysical, acting as a catalyst for serious introspection. This is a must-watch for those who appreciate an element of the mystical and the symbolic in stories, celebrating the boundless capacity of human transformation.
Don't Look Down is a Drama, Romance movie released in 2008. It has a runtime of 1 Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 5.9..