TRUMAN
Spain, 2015, 108 minutes, Colour.
Ricardo Darin, Javier Camara, Dolores Fonzi, Elvira Minquez, Oriol Pla.
Directed by Cesc Gay.
No, not a biography of the American President, Harry Truman. In this Spanish film, Truman is the name of a dog, the pet dog of Julian, originally from Argentina, who has been living in Madrid. He is separated from his wife and his son is away studying in Amsterdam.
Julian has a terminal illness and is spending a lot of his time putting his affairs in order, wanting to right broken relationships – and, spending a great deal of time, interviewing a range of people so that Truman will be well looked after when he goes.
A close friend from the past, Tomas, who now lives in Canada, comes to visit him.
So much of the film is taken up by conversations between Julian and Tomas, Tomas not understanding his friend’s attitude towards his illness and death, urging him to get medical help, accompanying him on visits, to restaurants and meals, remembering the past and the times that the two had together.
One of the features of the story is Julian’s decision to go to Amsterdam and to take Tomas with him. It is a sudden and impulsive journey as they track down the son at the University, meeting with his girlfriend, with Julian beating about the bush in terms of his health and the reason for his visit – although the son has been told by his mother the truth about Julian’s health. But, it is a pleasing sequence of love and reconciliation.
Julian and Tomas also encounter the ex-wife in the street, and he experiences her concern. Also in the picture, is a relation who is concerned about Julian and who has been in contact with Tomas – with a reminder of the relationship in the past and the possibility of taking it up again.
The strength of the film comes in its screenplay but is enhanced by the performances of Argentinian actor, Ricardo Darin (The Secret in their Eyes) and Spanish actor, Javier Camara (best known for his work in the films of Pedro Almodovar, Talk to Her, Bad Education).
An intelligent and emotional film for an adult audience. It won the SIGNIS award at the 2015 Hong Kong film Festival.
1. A story of friendship? Human friendship? The dog?
2. The Spanish settings, the city of Madrid, apartments, bars, the streets, theatre, airports? Contrast with Montréal in the snow, Amsterdam, the canals, the streets, the trams, the University? The musical score?
3. The focus on Tomas, his story, originally from Spain, going to Canada to study, staying, degree, work, wife and children, his farewell? The relationship with Paula? Travelling to Spain? Surprising Julian? The purpose of his visit, Julian in his illness, impending death? Staying four days?
4. The situation with Julian, his Argentinian background, coming to Madrid, staying, acting, wife, Nico, the divorce, living by himself, but with Truman? The cancer, Paula and her concern, the treatment, Tomas and Julian visiting the doctor, the frank talk, his decision not to go further on chemotherapy?
5. The portrayal of friendship, two friends talking, Tomas’s role, staying, support? Going to the theatre, the sadness of the director, giving Julian his job, hoping to have been informed about the illness? The decision to go to Amsterdam, to see Nico, to tell him of the decision? The plane flight, Tomas and his tension, Julian relaxed? Finding the boat, the student directing them, the tram, the University, the phone call?
6. Julian and his intention, Tomas to move away, but Nico, busy, meeting Sophie, the next day his birthday, the gift, the hip flask, having lunch at the cafe, the toast, the farewell – the son giving his father a more intense hug?
7. The irony, Gloria in the street, seeing Truman, talking with Julian, explaining how she had told Nico the truth? The visit to Amsterdam considered in retrospect? Julian reassuring her?
8. Truman, going for walks, old, big? Going to the family, the possible adoption? The interview with the lady and Tomas saying she was racist in her treatment of the waiter? Tomas returning, Julian bringing Truman to the airport, all the documents, travelling to Canada and to his new home?
9. The return from Amsterdam, the celebration, Paula present, happy, Tomas cooking the meal, Julian’s declaration that he would anticipate his death, the pills, Paula’s reaction, Tomas’s reaction?
10. Tomas and Paula, the meeting, spending the night, memories of the past?
11. Paula driving them to the airport, the farewells, Truman and Tomas lining up at the check-in?
12. The exploration of emotions about ageing, illness, cancers, terminal, chemotherapy and treatment, suicide, quality of life, decisions? In the context of a long friendship?
