If They Tell You I Fell

If They Tell You I Fell is an emotionally charged, complex European drama released in 1989. It was directed by Vicente Aranda and it showcases a remarkable display of acting talent, including stellar performances by Victoria Abril, Jorge Sanz, and Antonio Banderas. Among the accolades it received, one that stands out is the Goya Award for Best Director.

The narrative of If They Tell You I Fell takes place in post-Spanish Civil War Spain and uniquely blends elements of political drama, romance, and crime thriller. It leaps and bounds across history, challenging the viewer's perception of time and space, while also providing a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Structurally, it balances past and present moments and weaves a tapestry of personal histories that illuminate the darkest corners of the human soul.

Jorge Sanz heads the cast in dual roles: as Ramón, a man in the present who is basically a ghost to society, and as Juan, a Spanish youth surviving in the tumultuous times of the Civil War. Sanz masterfully differentiates between the two characters, effectively bringing their personalities to life with his exceptional character portrayal skills.

Victoria Abril lights up the screen with her charisma and warmth, efficiently delineating her diverse roles of women who have a significant hold on Ramón/Juan’s life. The movie allows Abril enough room to fully explore her acting talents, with her performance ranging from a sad-eyed waif to a hardened prostitute.

Meanwhile, Antonio Banderas also does not disappoint as he tackles his role with a fiery intensity and convincing believability. He plays a fascinating character whose identity unfolds slowly, revealing a layered, complex figure integrated into the narrative through clever plot twists.

The storyline of If They Tell You I Fell unfurls as a mysteriously grim story shared among friends, that of a man who lived two lives — one in the harsh realities of post-Civil War Barcelona and another in the present, but equally desolate time. Through numerous flashbacks, we uncover the heartbreaking, often violent, always compelling circumstances our characters were forced to fight against for the sake of survival.

While the harrowing realities of war set the stage, the narrative also interweaves through them themes of love, betrayal, desire, and desperation. There is a continuous play with identity and deception where characters have to adopt different personae to survive amidst chaos and turmoil. The exploration of homoerotic relationships, especially during a time when it was considered taboo, is also one of the central themes of the film.

Apart from powerful performances and a gripping storyline the film is also beautifully shot. Its visuals are no less symbolic, often capturing a hauntingly grim view of post-war Spain, with romanticized and horrifying imagery combined to leave a lasting impression on the viewer. The cinematography tells a parallel story in the film, complemented by an atmospheric musical score that sets the tone for this tragic yet captivating tale.

If They Tell You I Fell is an intense collaboration involving unconventional narrative techniques, impressive acting and daring themes—a cinematic work that dares to go where others would not. It is a film that asks audiences to question societal norms, the ambiguity of identity, survival, and the depths to which humans can go in times of great strife.

In closing, If They Tell You I Fell is not just a showcase of Spanish cinema, but it is also a testament to Vicente Aranda's formidable storytelling talent. Despite its complex story framework and dark themes, it undoubtedly remains a compelling watch for lovers of European cinema and those who appreciate bold narratives filled with unexpected twists and turns.