Take My Eyes (DVD)

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This love is not a tender trap, but an engulfing morass. Pilar has a lot of emotional energy invested in being the center of Antonio's maelstrom; it is as exciting as it is terrifying. I am not suggesting that she invites the abuse, but that she has gotten so use to living in crisis that the safety of Ana's caring home seems downright boring by comparison. Naturally, the second chance doesn't work out; Antonio's coping mechanisms from his counselor can only bottle up his rage for so long. And so the film ends where it began with Pilar packing up to leave, this time with help from friends at work. If there is a real change in the story, it is that Pilar no longer thinks she is alone, but the final note of triumphant "girl power" doesn't sound entirely convincing. Will this be Pilar's final escape, or will she reach for that carrot one more time. I swear honey, this time I've changed.

Video:
The film is presented in its original 16:9 wide-screen aspect ratio. The image quality is adequate but not stunning. There are some examples of combing, but nothing too bad.

Audio:
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital. Optional English subtitles support the Spanish audio.

Extras:
"A Love that Kills" (20 min.) is a short feature also directed by Bollaín that weaves together a sort of "behind-the-scenes" fictional account of Antonio's attempts to deal with his anger. It paints an even more damning picture of the abuser than the film itself does.

Closing Thoughts:
"Take My Eyes" is a fairly straight-forward melodrama that provides a harrowing account of an abusive marriage. It is made all the more disturbing because we understand why both spouses act the way they do. Though Antonio's actions are despicable, he is not just an unthinking monster. He may even be sincere in his attempts to change. Pilar is no idiot, but gives in to the very human desire to hope that the best might occur, even when faced with overwhelming evidence to the contrary.