Something happened with this film on its way to the screen. For a big budget picture, the biopic about Manolete, one of Spain's most renown, and charismatic bullfighters, it does not have the spark it needed to ignite its action. The man at the center of the story and the temptress that was the love of his life, are seen in flashbacks as Manolete goes to his final appearance in the bullring.
The basic problem of "Manolete" is the casting of Adrian Brody, an actor that usually gives good performances, but in this film, he appears wooden and devoid of life, for a man that faced death with each new bullfight he entered. The figure of the larger than life matador does not come across, the way director Menno Meyjes decided to give the picture.
In contrast, Penelope Cruz, playing Lupe, Manolete's mistress, counteracts by playing her with the fire that her character is supposed to have. There is no chemistry between Mr. Brody and Ms. Cruz. The supporting cast is basically an after thought, especially a static Santiago Segura and Juan Echenove.
See it at your own risk.
The basic problem of "Manolete" is the casting of Adrian Brody, an actor that usually gives good performances, but in this film, he appears wooden and devoid of life, for a man that faced death with each new bullfight he entered. The figure of the larger than life matador does not come across, the way director Menno Meyjes decided to give the picture.
In contrast, Penelope Cruz, playing Lupe, Manolete's mistress, counteracts by playing her with the fire that her character is supposed to have. There is no chemistry between Mr. Brody and Ms. Cruz. The supporting cast is basically an after thought, especially a static Santiago Segura and Juan Echenove.
See it at your own risk.