Post Mortem

Post Mortem is a chilling, atmospheric film from the acclaimed Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín. Released in 2010, this riveting drama stars renowned Chilean actors Alfredo Castro, Antonia Zegers, and Jaime Vadell. By exploring personal narratives within a broader political context, Post Mortem offers a haunting reflection on a pivotal time in Chile's history.

The film is set in the tumultuous period of Chile in 1973, during the military coup that overthrew Socialist President Salvador Allende and introduced the reign of Augusto Pinochet. It artfully blends the political with the personal by integrating the societal upheaval of this time with the intimate narrative of Mario Cornejo (Alfredo Castro), a middle-aged man employed in a morgue as a transcriber of autopsy reports. He's a quiet, even somnolent character; a man of routines, seemingly unflappable in the face of both human mortality and societal collapse.

Mario is romantically infatuated with his neighbor Nancy (Antonia Zegers), a cabaret dancer and outspoken activist who holds strong political views contrasting his apolitical sentiments. Nancy becomes a metaphoric embodiment of Chile itself - vulnerable, passionate, and at the mercy of larger forces. Mario's love for Nancy and his mundane daily routines add a strong layer of pathos in the backdrop of the country’s political turbulence.

Apart from the compelling narrative, the film excels in its technical prowess. The cinematography, by Sergio Armstrong, is vivid yet restrained, using a predominantly dull palette to represent the bleakness of the era. The film's quiet and contemplative camera work contributes to capturing the state of stagnation and isolation that the populace felt during and after the coup. The production design meticulously recreates the time period, immersing the audience in the drab living quarters, the sterile morgue, and the stark landscapes of Santiago in the 1970s.

Post Mortem's script, co-written by Larraín and playwright Mateo Iribarren, is infused with symbolism and subtlety. Much of the movie's narrative is told through visual representation and minimal dialogue, demanding the audience to interpret its story and allegories. The film’s dark and sardonic undertone cannot be understated, drawing out discomfort and amusement in equal parts from its viewers.

The performances are another one of the film's strong points. Alfredo Castro delivers a masterfully restrained performance as Mario, embodying the character's apprehensions and pangs of unrequited love with unsettling authenticity. Antonia Zegers, too, gives a standout performance as Nancy, portraying her character's boundless energy and feeling with palpable intensity. Both actors effectively convey the buoyancy and desolation of their characters, encapsulating the spirit of the nation during this dark period in history.

The film is not so much a horror film as it is a socio-political drama infused with surrealism and absurdity. The title, Post Mortem, is a clear nod to the setting of the film – the morgue – and may also refer to a wider examination of the death of an era in Chilean history. Larraín intriguingly juxtaposes the mundanity of Mario's life with the gruesome realities he faces. He also uses Mario as a lens through which to view the surrender of the individual during political upheaval, the ease of falling into despair, and the struggle to maintain a sense of normality amid chaos.

Post Mortem is an essential entry in Chilean cinema that represents a critical exploration of the nation's past and considering its legacy. Pablo Larraín's potent examination of the private scares left by public trauma speaks to wounded nations worldwide, making this film an engaging watch for both local and international audiences.

In conclusion, Post Mortem is a gripping, melancholic film that intricately weaves personal narratives into a turbulent historical backdrop. Restrained performances, meticulous cinematography, and a thought-provoking script successfully translate a period of political unrest into a profoundly personal and human experience. The film's unflinching portrayal of despair makes it a haunting cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impact.