Directors’ Showcase
Mariano Cohn, Gaston Duprat/Argentina/2009/103 min/tbc/Spanish with English subtitles
The humble home improvement forms the basis of this domestic drama set in Buenos Aires. Taking place in the only Le Corbusier house in Latin America, the film follows the successful designer Leonardo (Rafael Spregelburd) and his mysterious neighbour, Victor (Daniel Aaroz) as they battle over the placement of a new window installed in Victor’s home.
Although neighbourly disputes are pretty common throughout the world, The Man Next Door takes this universal experience and elevates it to dizzying cinematic heights, as legal issue of DIY transcends its expected conclusion, and gives way to issues of class, social etiquette and art. But while the topic of a homeowner’s right to change their house is briefly touched upon, the narrative instead follows two obsessive male characters, unable to back down or reach any sort of agreement, with often comedic, but ultimately tragic results. Cohn and Duprat’s film is a scathing cultural comment on selfishness, ego and the lengths that human beings will go to in order to get their own way. Well acted with a unique backdrop that showcases a premiere example of 20th century architecture, the lesson to be learned from this film is always get planning permission first.
Showing @ Cineworld, 19th of June, 15:30 and 24th of June, 15:10
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