Te doy mis ojos (2003)

Director:

Icíar Bollaín

Writers:

Icíar Bollaín (writer)
Alicia Luna (co-writer)

Release Date:

10 October 2003 (Spain)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Donde dice hogar se lee infierno. Donde dice amor hay dolor. (Where it reads 'home' read 'hell'. Where it reads 'love' there is pain)

Plot:

One winter night, Pilar runs away from home. With her, she takes only a few belongings and her son, Juan. Antonio soon sets out to look for her. He says Pilar is his sunshine, and what's more, "She gave him her eyes"... |

Plot Keywords:

Church | Art Museum | Sister Sister Relationship | Wife Beater | Toledo Spain

Awards:

39 wins & 17 nominations

Cast

Laia Marull	...	Pilar
Luis Tosar	...	Antonio
Candela Peña	...	Ana
Rosa Maria Sardà	...	Aurora
Kiti Manver	...	Rosa
Sergi Calleja	...	Therapist
Elisabet Gelabert	...	Lola
Nicolás Fernández Luna	...	Juan
David Mooney	...	John
Chus Gutiérrez	...	Raquel
Elena Irureta	...	Carmen
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Roberto Álamo
Javier Batanero
Ricardo Birnbaum	...	Antonio
Francesc Garrido
Aitor Merino
Leire Ucha

Also Known As:

Take My Eyes (International: English title)

Runtime:

109 min

Country:

Spain

Language:

Spanish

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Portugal:M/12 | Iceland:16 | Finland:K-15 | Switzerland:16 (canton of Zurich) | Argentina:16 | Netherlands:12 | Spain:13 | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Cementerio de la Almudena, Madrid, Spain

Company:

Alta Producción S.L.

Soundtrack:

Farewell To Gibraltar

A poignant study of a devastatingly heartbreaking aspect of love and marriage by Spanish w-d Iciar Bollaín

Writer-director Iciar Bollaín's film, TAKE MY EYES (Spain 2003) is full of boldness and nuance, approaching 'full frontal' (almost a pun here) the delicate 'taboo' subject on spouse abuse in love and marriage. The exceptionally talented and selfless portrayal of the couple by Laia Marull as Pilar (the young wife/mother) and Luis Tosa as Antonio (the husband/abuser) made their scenes together - both the tender moments and violent events, convincing and complete. It's heartbreaking to see these two people who could be so in love (felt through the intimate lovemaking scenes, the calm moments they enjoy each other by the river) yet juxtaposed by the traumatic turn of events (seen through the 'explosive' frightful situations). Bollaín, with Marull and Tosa, did not shy away from the volatile subject and key scenes - it is no doubt devastating to behold yet the impact of the situation is truly felt and may also leave us shaking. Kudos to such giving and fearless performances and production decisions.

The Toledo, Spain, locales (especially by the river and bridge) seen in the film are as beautiful as I visited in Fall 2003. I remember the museum where Antonio waited outside for Pilar. He tried. He wanted to be a loving husband to her, but he couldn't help himself. It almost seem like uncontrollable 'alcoholic dependency', his jealous rage generated from fear of losing Pilar, whom he believes he loves in his own possessive ways. While Pilar also tries. She practically loses herself in trying to please Antonio and be 'blinded' by his waves of tenderness towards her. She's struggling to be a good wife and responsible mother to their little boy. She's also trying to find herself through the process.

I recall the wisdom from poet Kahlil Gibran's book "The Prophet" on Marriage: yes, you shall be together forever more, but there should be spaces in your togetherness. "Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts." And on Love, that it does not possesses, Gibran said: "And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course."

TAKE MY EYES gives us a rare chance to observe closely the various aspects/perspectives of a domestic violence situation, and offering viable option on the part of the woman. It may not be an easy film to watch due to frank emotional depiction, but it is superbly delivered by a fantastic cast besides Marull and Tosa. The script, co-written by Bollaín and Alicia Luna, contains supporting storyline (including a wedding and Scottish bagpipes and kilts - cultural diversity, girl talk, men talk, laughs and heartaches). Production is excellent in every respect: cinematography, editing, art direction, music score, sound and all. Highly recommend this film, with no hesitation.