An unusual mix of neorealism and Hollywood genre filmmaking.
"Death of a Cyclist" is a rather odd attempt to break free of old traditions. Though it is clearly inspired by the then fresh and vital neorealist movement, it´s also a rather standard potboiler. Not all of this is Bardem´s fault. Due to censorship problems, he was forced to tack on a corny ending that, quite frankly, is so laughable it almost ruins any good the rest of the film accomplishes. Perhaps the absurdity of the finale was his way of flipping off the censors, but it´s still a major problem. Likewise, Rafa´s coincidental blackmail attempt is a classic bit of Hollywood contrivance designed as a cheap way to ratchet up the tension.
Still, the film´s abrupt break with genre convention in the student riot scene marks it as something special. It´s a stirring tribute to the power of the people, and holds up the promise of youthful idealism and fervor as the ultimate cure for institutionalized oppression. Bardem was a passionate director who believed in a cinema of ideas, and he lays it all on the line in this daring scene. Many of his later films (which I haven´t seen) have been criticized as being too didactic, but that´s certainly not a problem with "Death of a Cyclist" which weaves its "message" seamlessly into the narrative.
Video
The film is presented in its original 1.33:1 full-screen aspect ratio. The image is picture-boxed meaning that some viewers will see thin black bars on the sides as well as the top and bottom. The digitally restored transfer shows some evidence of wear and tear, more than usual for a Criterion release, but the image is still sharp and does justice to the beautiful black and white photography by Alfredo Fraile.
Audio
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital Mono. Optional English subtitles support the Spanish audio.
Extras
There is only one extra on the disc but it´s an excellent one. "Calle Bardem" (44 minutes), directed by Alberto Leal, uses interviews with Bardem´s collaborators as well as film critics to discuss the politically an aesthetically committed director´s challenging career.
The insert booklet features an in-depth essay by scholar Marsha Kinder, and Bardem´s 1955 manifesto for Spanish cinema.
Film Value
"Death of a Cyclist" is an unusual mix of neorealism and Hollywood genre filmmaking. Though marred by a hokey ending, the film still lays bare the divide between the haves and the have-nots in Franco´s Spain while still providing hope for a better future. It´s not a masterpiece, but it´s certainly worth seeing.
Still, the film´s abrupt break with genre convention in the student riot scene marks it as something special. It´s a stirring tribute to the power of the people, and holds up the promise of youthful idealism and fervor as the ultimate cure for institutionalized oppression. Bardem was a passionate director who believed in a cinema of ideas, and he lays it all on the line in this daring scene. Many of his later films (which I haven´t seen) have been criticized as being too didactic, but that´s certainly not a problem with "Death of a Cyclist" which weaves its "message" seamlessly into the narrative.
Video
The film is presented in its original 1.33:1 full-screen aspect ratio. The image is picture-boxed meaning that some viewers will see thin black bars on the sides as well as the top and bottom. The digitally restored transfer shows some evidence of wear and tear, more than usual for a Criterion release, but the image is still sharp and does justice to the beautiful black and white photography by Alfredo Fraile.
Audio
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital Mono. Optional English subtitles support the Spanish audio.
Extras
There is only one extra on the disc but it´s an excellent one. "Calle Bardem" (44 minutes), directed by Alberto Leal, uses interviews with Bardem´s collaborators as well as film critics to discuss the politically an aesthetically committed director´s challenging career.
The insert booklet features an in-depth essay by scholar Marsha Kinder, and Bardem´s 1955 manifesto for Spanish cinema.
Film Value
"Death of a Cyclist" is an unusual mix of neorealism and Hollywood genre filmmaking. Though marred by a hokey ending, the film still lays bare the divide between the haves and the have-nots in Franco´s Spain while still providing hope for a better future. It´s not a masterpiece, but it´s certainly worth seeing.
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[release]23662[/release]