Ryan McNeil
Sometimes I wonder whether a person can truly change. I’ve always believed that people can change to an extent, but were somehow always tethered in some way. After years of trying to understand this hypothesis, it figures it would take a movie to illustrate what I couldn’t ever seem to put a finger on.
As THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES puts it:
“A man can change anything. His face, his home, his family, his girlfriend, his religion, his God. But there’s one thing he can’t change. He can’t change his passion…”
The mystery of THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES revolves around the rape and murder of Lilliana Colotto in 1974. The case is given to Benjamin Esposito, who has a very small team backing him up. He has an unimpressive and constantly drunk partner named Pablo. He also has an illuminating and intelligent department chief named Irene.
When he investigates the crime, he begins with her widowed husband Ricardo. While the man is deeply shaken by the news that the woman he loved so dearly is gone, he is nothing but helpful and forthcoming. Lilliana was his whole world, and he opens up their whole life to Esposito in the hopes that justice can be served. One of the resources he provides Esposito – Lilliana’s photos – provides a vital clue, and sends the detective looking for an old acquaintance named Isidoro Gomez.
Before he can track the man down, the case would appear to be closed. Two men are brought in, and have signed full confessions admitting to the crime. However Esposito doesn’t buy it. He taps into his rapport with Irene to reopen the closed case, and goes on a search for Gomez who he’s convinced is the true perpetrator.
As the story continues to jump back and forth between 1974, and a reflective Esposito reflecting back on it in 1999, the painful truth comes to light…if ever so slowly.
A darker secret is the rivalry between Ricardo and Isidoro. Isidoro is ultimately betrayed by a seemingly innocent look he gave Liliana as a photo was being taken. He doesn’t dare reveal the truth, at first for fear of rejection, then later for fear of violent repercussion. But like Esposito, Isidoro betrays himself. This is bad news for him, give Ricardo’s secret desire for vengeance. Trying to keep a secret love hidden is one thing, but just what is hiding inside a man who randomly waits in train stations at the off-chance of meeting his wife’s accused killer?
The construction of this movie is what makes it work so well. While it is a rather dark tale, there’s a lot of love present in the narrative to hold on to. Sadly, even some of the most gruesome decisions are driven by love…misguided as it can sometimes be. Director Juan José Campanella has presented some very real and caring relationships, and shown us the lengths we will go for them. This film knows what it means to sacrifice for love…to avenge love…even to search for the words to express and reciprocate love.
Many eyebrows were raised when THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES took home the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar this year. While I have not seen the two films presumed to be frontrunners, what I can tell you about this film executes when it matters. It delivers on the grand scale, as is the case with a glorious shot that brings us into a packed football stadium. It also executes in the details, as evidenced by Irene’s choice of words when a particular truth is revealed to her in the late going.
Indeed, as the film reminds us, it is our passions that define us…for better and for worse. It’s passion that can bring us to the people who can be a moral compass. It’s passion that can give us an avenue to express ourselves to the world. And sadly, it’s passion that can cause us to make our biggest mistakes. There’s no help for it – it’s who we are, and like it or not, they’re our passions. We’re stuck with them.
Wow, good review, this movie sounds pretty awesome. It's playing down the block from me right now, might have to do a double feature of this and Exit Through the Gift Shop this weekend (probably just wishful thinking though).
Excellent review, so many have been feting this I'm really anticipating it now.
The Oscar win intrigued me, especially considering it was up against two of the most talked about films of the year. Your review has convinced me to keep an eye out for it when it finally opens over here 🙂
I spent three weeks in Argentina in January (when I knew this was their Oscar submission) and I still didn't buy it. STUPID MARSHALL! Practically no one else had seen it then, and what a leg up it would have given me.
I got a brief introduction to Argentinian cinema while down south. I generally like it, particularly their emphasis on storytelling and plot development (although sometimes that can lead to some really slow movies). This finally opens in Houston on Friday – hopefully I find a time to go sometime before it leaves.
@ Aiden… If you can make that double feature happen, do so. It's rare that you can watch two such quality movies back-to-back.
You won't be sorry!
@ Andrew… Yeah, I really didn't know what to expect, but there's a lot of wonderful subtlety to this movie.
@ Filmgeek… Strange, for most of the spring you've been getting films before we have (KICK-ASS, DRAGON TATTOO, EXIT/GIFT SHOP)…at last the tables are turning!
@ Marshall… Thanks for the insight. Given your experience I'll be especially interested to hear what you have to say about it when you get to see it.
I'm glad we agree on this one after our differing reactions to "Kick-Ass."
That line you quoted at the beginning of your review is one that really stuck with me, and I liked how you used that as a basis for your opinion. All of the characters in this film seem to be driven by their passions, and I think that it what makes the story so real and believable.
This is definitely one I want to see again when it comes out on DVD.
Great review for a great movie. I love this movie, and just reviewed it myself. Powerful film!
@ Danny… That's the beauty of film right? We might totally disagree on one movie, but a few days later we might not possibly be able to agree more!
BTW – If you want some great insight into this film, track down the Creative Screenwriting Magazine Podcast where Jeff Goldmsith talks to the film's director. It's amazing stuff!
@ Ritz… Thanks for reading! I just took a glance at your review/your budding blog and liked what I saw (keep up the good work).
Of course, you have one up on me since I haven't seen THE WHITE RIBBON yet and can't comment on whether this film was better or worse (ditto UN PROPHETE).
really great review of The Secret in their Eyes! I just saw the movie this weekend, and your points describe the structure and the relationship between passion/love/obsession in the film.
@ nerdvampire… Thanks! As I mentioned earlier, if you really liked the film, I highly suggest listening to the director do a Q&A on The Creative Screenwriting Podcast.
It's what made me track this film down.