The Aerial (La Antena) (2007)
-
64% of critics liked it
(11 reviews) -
84% of users liked it
(1,901 ratings)
Writer/director Esteban Sapir offers a cautionary tale of media control in this highly stylized thriller that draws on film noir and German Expressionism to tell the tale of a society that has literally lost its ability to speak after bowing to the constant barrage of broadcasts and products of the… More Writer/director Esteban Sapir offers a cautionary tale of media control in this highly stylized thriller that draws on film noir and German Expressionism to tell the tale of a society that has literally lost its ability to speak after bowing to the constant barrage of broadcasts and products of the omnipresent Mr. TV (Alejandro Urdapilleta). It is year X in the City Without a Voice, and the only individual who retains the ability to convey her thoughts through speech is the mysterious Voice (Florencia Raggi). A faceless singer whose soothing songs are heard on one of Mr. TV's most popular programs, The Voice comes under threat when Mr. TV teams with Dr. Y (Carlos Pineiro) to take total control of the thrush and use her vocal chords to pursue their own nefarious plan. Their devious scheme soon hits an unexpected hitch, however, when it is revealed that The Voice's son Tomas (Jonathan Sandor), who was born without eyes, also possesses the power of speech. Soon after The Voice is kidnapped by Mr. TV and Dr. Y, The Inventor (Rafael Ferro) races to Tomas' rescue and sets into motion a plan designed to end the dubious reign of the media-savvy Mr. TV. With the help of The Inventor's devoted daughter Ana (Sol Moreno) and faithful wife The Nurse (Julieta Cardinali), The Inventor sets into motion a plan to rescue The Voice before Mr. TV achieves complete mind control over the population. Little does The Inventor realize, however, that Mr. TV's evil henchman Mouseman (Raul Hochman) is hot on his trail and determined to see his boss' plan succeed at any cost. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Esteban Sapir
- Written By
- Esteban Sapir
- Genres
- Drama, Animation, Art House & International
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 24, 2007 Wide
- Studio
- Capelight Pictures
Critic Reviews
-
Tom Huddlestone, Time Out
The characterisation is perhaps necessarily formulaic, but that doesn't make these paper-thin figures any more likeable, and despite its undoubted beauty the film eventually becomes something of a chore.
-
Ian Berriman, SFX Magazine
A hauntingly beautiful work: inventive, elegiac, gently surreal.
-
Robert Hanks, Independent
The Tim Burtonish retro design and the blatant references to silent masterworks don't amount to a style; and even if they did, wouldn't make up for the kitsch story.
-
Wendy Ide, Times [UK]
This wonderfully original little film is filled with tacit menace and ominous symbolism; it's a work of curious and unsettling beauty.
-
Holly Grigg-Spall, Film4
A stylishly inventive play on silent-era movies that presses political buttons.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
Valeria Bertuccelli
as Mr. TV's Son
-
Alejandro Urdapilleta
as Mr. T.V.
-
Julieta Cardinali
as Nurse
-
Rafael Ferro
as The Inventor
-
Florencia Raggi
as The Voice
-
Sol Moreno
as Ana
-
Jonathan Sandor
as Tomás, Tomás, Tom
-
Ricardo Merkin
as Grandfather
-
Raúl Hochman
as Mouse Man
-
Carlos Piñeiro
as Doctor Y
-
Camila Offerman
as Fairy Child
-
Alejandro Regueiro
as Silhouette1
-
Christian Amat
as Silhouette 2
-
Federico Miri
as Silhouette 3
-
Paulina Sapir
as Girl In White
-
Silvia Okeksilein
as Mother
-
Vicenzo Mazzei
as Son
-
Jose Manuel Diaz
as Boxer 1
-
Fabián Dias
as Boxer 2
-
Gastón Prat
as Narrator
-
Diana Szeinblum
as Singer In Bar
-
Leon Dogodny
as Old Experimenter
-
Dalana Cincunegui
as Girl Boxer
-
Hilda Rimini
as Ancient Elf
-
Leticia Mazur
as Dancer 1
-
Griselda Siciliani
as Dancer 2
