Film Review: "Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths" ("Bardo, falsa crónica de unas cuantas verdades") (2022).

"Experience a state of mind" with Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (Bardo, falsa crónica de unas cuantas verdades). This Mexican epic black comedy drama film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and written by Iñárritu and Nicolás Giacobone. The film is an epic, visually stunning and immersive experience set against the intimate and moving journey of Silverio, a renowned Mexican journalist and documentary filmmaker living in Los Angeles, who, after being named the recipient of a prestigious international award, is compelled to return to his native country, unaware that this simple trip will push him to an existential limit. The folly of his memories and fears have decided to pierce through the present, filling his everyday life with a sense of bewilderment and wonder. With both emotion and abundant laughter, Silverio grapples with universal yet intimate questions about identity, success, mortality, the history of Mexico and the deeply emotional familial bonds he shares with his wife and children. Indeed, what it means to be human in these very peculiar times.

In late March 2020, it was reported that Iñárritu would write, direct and produce a new film, to be shot in Mexico. Iñárritu returned to shoot and produce a film entirely in Mexico for the first time since Amores perros (2000) over twenty years ago. By early March 2021, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Griselda Siciliani, Ximena Lamadrid, Jay O. Sanders, and Fabiola Guajardo were cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in September. Filming took place throughout Mexico City. With the confirmation that the movie is shot on 65mm film, this will mark Iñárritu's first film shot on film stock since Biutiful (2010). However, allegations were made over social media by several figures in the Mexican film industry that Iñárritu constantly breached COVID safety protocols, resulting in hazardous working conditions and even the deaths of a number of crew members, with further talk of a class action suit against Iñárritu to follow. As of the film's announced premiere at the Venice Film Festival, no announcement or follow-up has occurred. In late April 2022, Netflix announced that in addition to acquiring the distribution rights and being available on the streaming platform, the film would be its first wide theatrical release, as opposed to limited theatrical showings. It also was confirmed to be shot on 65mm film, a rarity for streaming services in general. Iñárritu continued editing the film after its premiere. The version screened at the 70th San Sebastián International Film Festival in late September 2022 runs a hundred and fifty two minutes without credits, twenty-two minutes shorter than the one screened at Venice and Telluride. The final runtime was set at a hundred and sixty minutes (including credits). Iñárritu edited the film himself for the first time since his debut feature, Amores Perros.

The film stars Cacho, Siciliani, Lamadrid, Sanders, and Guajardo. Here not a single performance falters.

Despite its lack of clarity, conflicting thematic messages and indecipherable tone, the film is the rarest of oddities: accidental genius.

Simon says Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (Bardo, falsa crónica de unas cuantas verdades) receives:

Also, see my review for The Revenant.