PRESENTS
OFFICIAL COMPETITION
Turning a Nobel Prize-winning novel into a movie on the whim of a millionaire, “it” director Lola Cuevas pairs two different kinds of actors to breathe life into her version of the story. What could go wrong casting a serious leading actor with a box office action star? Only everything, of course. If you’ve ever been through the rehearsal process with a director that is secure in their vision, Official Competition is for you. The film is a masterclass in writing and acting. It encompasses all the temperamental moments in the history of cinematic genius.
Oscar Martinez plays Ivan will a cultured legitimacy that feels elevated. He has a pedigree and air that is unmatched. His humble passion is so overblown you’ll give him a standing ovation while rolling your eyes. Antonio Banderas plays Felix with a Blockbuster pretty boy carelessness that is so familiar it’s brilliant. He is every cliché wrapped in a bow. Banderas brings a hot-tempered and diva nature to Felix. Almost play acting against Martinez, the evolution of their chemistry is like a tennis match. Each man absorbs traits from the other.
Penélope Cruz is eccentric director Lola. Her commitment to this character is extraordinary. The interactions between Lola and her leading men will have you smirking. The script allows her to push boundaries that challenge her fellow actors and the audience’s comfort. It’s another role that tops the last. She’s cheeky, powerful, unapologetic, and completely unconventional. Cruz gives her best performance to date.
These three astonishingly talented actors epitomize the industry. Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat explore the sheer absurdity of Hollywood. The cinematography is unforgettable. In many instances, our leads speak directly into the camera. Breaking the fourth wall is equal parts intrusive and entrancing. Official Competition might be the most extraordinary industry farce I’ve ever experienced. Making an award-worthy film while simultaneously acknowledging that awards are meaningless is a stroke of genius. It’s a wild meta joyride.
ONLY IN THEATERS JUNE 17, 2022
DIRECTED BY Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat
WRITTEN BY Mariano Cohn, Andrés Duprat and Gastón Duprat
STARRING Penélope Cruz, Antonio Banderas, and Oscar Martínez
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ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
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Gastón Duprat (December 8, 1969, Bahía Blanca – Argentina) and Mariano Cohn (December 1, 1975, Villa Ballester – Buenos Aires, Argentina) have directed ten films including the successful “The Man Next Door,” “The Distinguished Citizen,” “Todo sobre el asado,” “My Masterpiece,” and “4×4” which competed in the most important international film festivals garnered with more than thirty international awards, including a Goya, the Platinum and the Ariel for Best Ibero-American Film. “Official Competition” is his latest, and highly anticipated feature film. |
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NEW YORK THEATERS ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE MANHATTAN 14 28 Liberty Street, Suite SC301 | New York, NY 10005 AMC LINCOLN SQUARE 1998 Broadway | New York, NY 10023 AMC EMPIRE 25 THEATERS 234 W 42nd St | New York, NY 10036 BAM ROSE CINEMAS 30 Lafayette Ave | Brooklyn, NY 11217 IFC CENTER 323 6th Ave | New York, NY 10014 STORY SCREEN / BEACON THEATER 445 Main St |Beacon, NY 12508 BELLMORE PLAYHOUSE 525 Bedford Ave | Bellmore, NY 11710 NEW CITY CINEMAS 202 S Main St | New City, NY 10956 STARR THEATRE – RHINEBECK 6415 Montgomery St | Rhinebeck, NY 12572 SAG HARBOUR CINEMAS 90 Main St | Sag Harbor, NY 11963 CINEMAPOLIS 120 E Green St | Ithaca, NY 14850 TIME & SPACE LIMITED HUDSON 434 Columbia St | Hudson, NY 12534 MOUNTAIN CINEMA 7971 Main St, Hunter, NY 12442 SPECTRUM 8 THEATERS 290 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY 12209 PICTUREHOUSE 175 Wolfs Ln | Village of Pelham, NY 10803 WESTHAMPTON BEACH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 76 Main St | Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 CONNECTICUT THEATERS AVON THEATRE FILM CENTER 272 Bedford St | Stamford, CT 06901 CRITERION CINEMAS NEW HAVEN 9 86 Temple St | New Haven, CT 06510 NEW JERSEY THEATER CLAIRIDGE CINEMAS 486 Bloomfield Ave | Montclair, NJ 07042 |
114 MIN / SPANISH / COLOR
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The original version of this review appeared on AWFJ.org. To see more reactions to the Official Competition from the amazing members Click Here!
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