ZAMA (2017)

COME FOR ZAMA, STAY FOR THE DRAMA.

In the realm of period cinema, where historical accuracy often clashes with artistic interpretation, finding a delicate balance between authenticity and storytelling prowess can be an elusive endeavour. Many films tend to romanticise or exaggerate the past, sacrificing realism for the sake of cinematic flair. However, in the case of the 2017 film Zama, directed by Lucrecia Martel, authenticity takes centre stage with remarkable finesse.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Antonio Di Benedetto, Zama is set in the late 18th century in a remote colonial outpost in Paraguay, and it follows the life of Diego de Zama (Daniel Giménez Cacho), a Spanish officer and administrator, serving the Spanish crown in a small and desolate town. Stranded far from his family and longing for a transfer to a more prestigious location, Zama finds himself caught in a web of bureaucracy and colonial politics. As he awaits news of his requested transfer, he grows increasingly frustrated and disillusioned with his stagnant and purposeless life. As time passes, Zama becomes infatuated with a mysterious woman named Luciana (Lola Dueñas), who represents his yearning for something beyond his current circumstances. However, his infatuation is largely unrequited, mirroring his inability to transcend his own situation.

Zama is a visually stunning cinematic experience that takes audiences on a journey to an era long past. Set against a backdrop of colonial South America, the film weaves a tale of existential longing and societal disillusionment. One of the standout aspects of the film is its adept use of subtle humour. Martel employs dry wit and situational irony to paint a picture of the absurdities inherent in the colonial bureaucracy. These moments of levity provide a refreshing counterbalance to the otherwise sombre atmosphere, adding depth to the characters and their interactions.

The cinematography is undeniably the films crowning glory. Each frame is carefully composed, transforming the screen into a canvas of visual splendour. The lush landscapes and intricate details immerse viewers in a world that feels both alien and fascinatingly authentic. The use of light and shadow, combined with the meticulous attention to period detail, enhances the film's sense of time and place, contributing significantly to its overall allure.

However, Zama isn't without its flaws. The film's pacing is notably sluggish in its initial stages, struggling to find its footing as it establishes the central character and the world around him. Certain scenes overstay their welcome, meandering through prolonged sequences that could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative. Additionally, the repetition of dialogue becomes a minor hindrance as the film progresses. What might initially be an effective tool to convey the monotony and absurdity of the protagonist's circumstances gradually starts to wear thin, creating moments of minor tedium.

Overall, Zama is a visually captivating and thematically rich film that delves into the complexities of colonialism, human nature, and the search for identity. With its immersive cinematography and thought-provoking narrative, the film offers a unique and introspective exploration of a historical period and its psychological impact on those who inhabited it.

★★★☆☆

24 DECEMBER 2018