By Rafael Gallegos
Daily Lobo
What are you willing to risk to get what you want? The enigmatic characters of writer-director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's "Intacto" face this question in a film about chance and luck.
A well-assembled international cast, anchored by the Swedish Max Von Sydow, is the saving grace of "Intacto." With an extremely complex plot line that would confuse any filmgoer, "Intacto" relies on its actors to make it worth watching-- and it is.
Sam (Sydow) runs a lucrative Casino in Ucanca in the Canary Islands and is the luckiest man in the world. His protÇgÇ Federico, a suave yet nervous Eusebio Poncela, has the gift of luck, but after a split, Sam takes it away.
Seeking revenge, Federico finds Tomas, a thief and the sole survivor of a plane crash and, therefore, a very lucky person. Argentinean actor Leonardo Sbaraglia is captivating as Tomas. He is a joy to watch, his eyes say so much. Sara, a policewoman who walked away from a car crash that killed her family, is hell-bent on capturing Tomas.
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And what Spanish film would be complete without a bullfighter? Also possessing the gift of luck, Alfredo plays the game because he retired from the ring and seeks the thrill he lost. The game is one of very high stakes, winner take all.
The ultimate prize is the spot that Sam occupies, the position of being the luckiest man in the world. To face Sam, though, the characters have to qualify by winning other games, which include running through a forest or across a highway blindfolded.
"Intacto" is beautifully photographed and its international settings are very exotic with rich color palates. Fresnadillo is a very good storyteller, but he gets too caught up in the mystery of his narrative and makes it almost incomprehensible. He is, like his characters, a very lucky man to have a cast that can inhabit almost plastic characters and recreate them, fully developed.
Leonardo Sbaraglia is the find of this film and Fresnadillo's first feature. We like him and want his character to win the big game. He holds his own with Sydow, who steals many of the other scenes. A standout example is Sam's confessional scene about his past in a concentration camp.
"Intacto" is fast-paced, intelligent and has a terrific cast. Choosing to go see "Intacto" is not a bad choice, and it might just be a very lucky one. Albuquerque is one of only a handful of cities to show the film. "Intacto" is in Spanish with English subtitles. It has a limited run at Madstone at 6311 San Mateo Blvd. Call 872-4000 for ticket prices and times.
