The Exquisite Cadaver

The Exquisite Cadaver is a highly metaphorical Spanish thriller released in 1969 and directed by Vicente Aranda. It stars renowned actors like Capucine, Carlos Estrada, and Teresa Gimpera. The movie is well-laid on complicated yet fascinating plotlines that offer the spectators a thorough experience of suspense, mystery and psychological intrigue. Skillfully based on a crime novel by Rafael Azcona, the film unfolds an intriguing story of guilt, paranoia and relentless delving into the human psyche.

The Exquisite Cadaver introduces the viewer to the life of an established publisher, Miguel (Carlos Estrada). Miguel is a man enjoying his life in the lap of luxury, seemingly having it all - a successful career and a beautiful wife, Lucia (Teresa Gimpera). However, the tranquility of their life is shattered when they receive an unidentified part of a photography portraying the hand of a woman with a distinct ring on a finger.

As the movie progresses, Miguel appears to recognize the ring and, by implication, the lady to whom it belongs. The hand in the photograph belongs to a woman from his past, whom he believed to be long dead. The character of this woman is brilliantly played by Capucine, and her haunting presence becomes the epicenter of the mystery. This out-of-the-blue revelation leads to a cyclone of questions and speculations causing a deep sense of discomfort and mystery within Miguel. He is left questioning his past actions and the reality he thought he knew.

The cinematography and the aesthetics of The Exquisite Cadaver build upon the feeling of anxiety and unease that surrounds Miguel's life. The director and his team brilliantly manage to convey this feeling of constant suspicion and the malignant past looming overhead through the inventive use of lights, shadows, music and various cinematic techniques. The resultant noir atmosphere complements the complex narrative and deepens the psychological impact of the film.

The film further delves into the inner machinations of Miguel’s mind, as he becomes entwined in the delineation between guilt and fear. Adding to the effective storytelling, the movie accomplishes the psychological characterization through a series of flashbacks, revealing Miguel's past subtly piece by piece. His struggle to uncover the truth, while battling inner demons, forms an essential chunk of the narrative.

The plot also intricately explores the themes of betrayal, mortality, and conscience. Lucia, Miguel's wife, skillfully portrayed by Teresa Gimpera, plays a significant role as the narrative unfurls. Her character is more than just a supporting role as she adds an extra bit of mystery and tension to the storyline with her actions and reactions to the unraveling events. Her portrayal of a tormented wife embroiled in her husband's past adds depth to the narrative.

Capucine, playing the role of the deceased woman, embraces the role and delivers a strong, mysterious, and enigmatic performance. The gradual disclosure of her character’s background and relationship with Miguel makes the narrative more complex and captivating. Capucine manages to make a memorable impression despite not being physically present in most of the film.

The seamless blend of the thriller and psychological drama genre in The Exquisite Cadaver offers a unique cinematic experience. The impressive performances by the lead cast, the haunting music score, and the exemplary direction make the film a gem from the late 60s. Despite being set in that era, the themes and characters explored in the film remain timeless, making The Exquisite Cadaver a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.

In conclusion, The Exquisite Cadaver stands out for presenting a blend of mystery and psychological tropes set in the frame of an engaging narrative. The compelling performances, combined with the director's understanding of suspense and human psychology, create a cinematic piece that is as enigmatic as its title. This gem from the late 60s classic Spanish cinema, filled with suspense, mystery, and psychological undertones, deserves to be savoured by any ardent cinephile.