Today and Tomorrow

Today and Tomorrow is an Argentine movie that revolves around the struggle and conflict of a woman caught in a harsh reality. The film, directed by Alejandro Chomski, was released in 2003 and stars Antonella Costa, Carlos Lipsic, and Romina Ricci in the lead roles. Intense, gripping, and emotionally moving, Today and Tomorrow tells the tale of one woman's desperate attempts to survive in the chaotic and cruel landscapes of Buenos Aires.

The story centers on Paula (Antonella Costa), a promising young actress in her mid-20s, who is trying to make ends meet in Buenos Aires during its economic crisis. Paula, who is habitually jobless and on the brink of eviction, represents an entire populaces grappling with a deteriorating financial state. The character's desperation, dreams, and her constant struggle for making a better life is a recurring theme in the movie.

Carlos Lipsic plays a supporting role and sharpens the edge of the movie's tone. He joins Antonella Costa in carrying the weight of a collapsing society that battles a fierce and merciless crisis. The character dynamics between them give birth to several intriguing and engrossing moments that enrich the storyline.

Meanwhile, Romina Ricci delivers a memorable performance and mirrors the turbulent state of Buenos Aires. Her role provides a sharp contrast to Paula's lifestyle and ambition, thereby adding a touch of diversity and complexity to the plot.

Director Alejandro Chomski masterfully depicts Paula's tumultuous journey through life in Buenos Aires. He documents the economic crisis haunting everyday life, be it bustling streets, old buildings, or Paula’s little apartment that’s about to slip out of her grasp due to unpaid rent. Chomski, who also wrote the screenplay for the movie, portrays the harsh realities of a society that is sinking into a financial abyss, a crisis that is not only fiscal but also social and moral.

Employing dim lighting, grainy images, grungy set designs, and shakily hand-held cameras, Chomski aptly portrays the gritty, grimy aesthetics synonymous with Buenos Aires' financial crisis. The ambience and visuals effectively echo the unsettling sentiments of the characters and their worsening circumstances.

The movie also explores the lengths to which individuals are forced to go due to economic desperation. Here, Paula's story stands as a symbol of thousands of citizens victim to the cruelties of corruption and inflation, shedding light on the slowly decaying human values amidst financial turmoil. The director presents a stark and chilling commentary on how crisis can alter one's destiny and tarnish innocence.

As viewers, we are taken aback by the simplistic yet compelling storytelling and by the excellent character portrayals by the actors. Antonella Costa's eloquent performance lends both intensity and credibility to the plight of Paula. Her journey is fraught with instability and uncertainty, and Costa masterfully molds the character into a symbol of resilience and courage.

On one hand, Today and Tomorrow is a powerful drama that echoes the instability of a nation's economy piercing into the lives of its people. On the other, it's a commentary on life and the arduous journey of survival. Despite the harsh realities that it uncovers, the film is not entirely bleak, but instead, embroiders a ray of hope amid the despair—a testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

The film's soundtrack further amplifies the narrative's mood with its melancholic tunes, rendering an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the portrayal of an unsettling socio-economic era. Interestingly, the film also uses silence as a tool to depict an individual’s state of crisis, making the plot even more poignant.

In conclusion, Today and Tomorrow is an evocative portrayal of a striving anomaly that was Buenos Aires in the midst of its economic crisis. It's a film about survival, the pursuit of dreams, and the harsh realities of life under a relentless economic recession. Given its hard-hitting storyline and impeccable performances, the movie provides a profound cinematic experience that gives viewers a glimpse into the realities of a society plagued by economic instability.