Showroom

Showroom is an Argentine drama film that was released in 2014, directed by Fernando Molnar and includes a remarkable ensemble of talents featuring Diego Peretti, Brenda Kreizerman, and Felicitas Kamien among an outstanding cast. The film is presented in Spanish language with English subtitles.

In Showroom, Diego Peretti plays the role of protagonist, Diego Diaz. Diaz used to be a self-styled rock star, a frontman who had dreams of making it big in the music industry. However, life took a turn, and he was forced to give up his lifelong passion. With his sky-reaching dreams of music tragically grounded, Diaz has to shift gears drastically. He transitions into a new life, far removed from the world of music he has known and loved. He finds himself assuming a role as an unassuming ordinary man and moves from being a rock star to a salesman in a real estate investment company.

Struggling to adapt to his new life, Diaz moves into a condo that is being used as a showroom. He is alone in this new journey of life and experiences a life not quite ordinary – bizarre and mildly dissociative. During the day he goes about his life as a real estate salesman striving to sell apartments that are out of his customer’s financial reach, while at night he is a lone man dwelling in a showroom. Alone, or so he thinks — until he is gradually drawn into the lives of the neighbors, who turn out to be quite peculiar.

Adding a deeper stratum to Diaz’s experience is a mob of homeless people who try to assert their rights over the vacant lot next to the showroom. Moreover, the shady activities of his employers raise questions over the ethical implications of his job. He gets acquainted with his neighbors and soon finds himself ensnared in their lives: a rebellious adolescent girl (Brenda Kreizerman), a romantic widow (Felicitas Kamien), a spirited elderly man who dreams about owning a jacuzzi, and a flirtatious young woman. The multi-faceted narrative of the movie subtly embodies political, economic, as well as social commentary about contemporary Buenos Aires.

In trying to navigate through this labyrinth of eccentric neighbors, workplace intrigue, and socio-economic conflicts, Diaz undergoes a metamorphosis. This journey leads him to question his lifestyle, ambitions, priorities, and overall perspective towards life. Diego Peretti's phenomenal performance captures the grueling transformation of Diaz beautifully.

Director Fernando Molnar paints an uncompromising yet tragicomic picture of urban existence. He manages to incorporate a fusion of emotions that range from drama to subtlety, disenchantment to humor. The writing and directing are insightful, capturing the philosophical undertones of the central theme. Molnar’s distinctive touch can be seen in the film’s ability to eloquently portray a man's struggle to reconcile with his reality.

The aesthetically pleasing cinematography of the movie enhances the narrative. The stark contrast between the luxurious showroom and the grim reality of Buenos Aires adds an additional layer of meaning to the film. Fernando Molnar has poignantly juxtaposed the dual lives of Diego Diaz through the brilliant use of visual storytelling techniques.

In conclusion, 'Showroom' is more than just a drama film. It is a tale of personal growth and self-discovery, told through the lens of a man caught between the realities of two orthogonal worlds. Packed with well-conceived characters and a strong narrative, this movie will make you reflect upon the choices one makes and the resulting confusion between reality and illusion. It is a must-watch for those who love thought-provoking cinema with a dash of humor and satire.