Where I Watched It: Netflix
English Audio Description?: No
I really disliked Pablo Larrain’s last film, Spencer. Not only did I find his direction to be dull, but I hated how Kristen Stewart whispered her way through the whole film. However, I’m all about clean slates, and when I heard what El Conde was about, it sounded so far removed from Spencer that I felt I might get to see Larrain really sink his teeth into perhaps more appropriate material. Then, Netflix decided not to provide an English Audio Description track, so I guess I’ll never really know.
But, if the idea of a vampire Pinochet in his final years excites you, and you can see and read the subtitles, you might enjoy this. The thing is, I can never really be sure what is on screen. Truthfully, it never seemed too violent, and without audio description, and just the English dub track, the movie plays a lot like The Great. Obviously wildly violent at times, but in a tongue in cheek type of way. I’m still pissed Hulu cancelled that.
Another comparison I might give is The death Of Stalin, though likely more violent. Both of these films find a dark humor in characters that should not charm us, or win our affection. But, with such a well written script, and the British voice cast for the English dub, I can’t help but feel more entertained than I should be.
The movie features a lot of narration from a character within the film, and a lot of what she has to say is darkly funny. things were referred to though that I felt I never saw happen, and from what I can see simply by its ratings, I’m pretty sure I didn’t notice the rape. This is why audio description is so important, because often characters will say one thing but do another. What could be interpreted by one character to be one thing, might be seen by the audience as something else. Visuals are so important, which is why so few films work for a blind audience without audio description.
Netflix set this film up for failure, not me. If they add audio description, I’d consider rewatching it. It seems like something I’d be into, but a horror film that is supposedly quite bloody and also features a rape, needs audio description. It just does. If Netflix wants to constantly push its international fare front and center right alongside their American productions, they need to consider their audience. I love other perspectives from other countries, and I can’t remember the last time i watched a Chilean film. I would have loved to enjoy this film in it’s entirety.
Sorry, but this one is gonna hurt.
Final Grade: unwatchable
It does have a really terrific score though. So it is listenable, I suppose.
