Robert Torres (Dougray Scott), a journalist who has been tasked with writing the biography of sainted priest, Josemaria Escriva (Charlie Cox), goes back to his estranged father, Manolo Torres (Wes Bentley), to discuss Escriva's life. Escriva and the elder Torres were childhood friends, separated by Manolo's wealthy father when Escriva's father became bankrupt (believing poverty was contagious, at least symbolically) . The rift between the two became even deeper when, during the Spanish Civil War, they choose opposite sides: Escriva for religious and political freedom, elected government, democracy; Manolo for the side he believed would win (and unfortunately did), the fascists. Strangely, Francisco Franco's name was never mentioned in this historic war epic/biopic, a startling omission since Franco instigated the war and ruled Spain with an iron hand from the beginning of the war, 1936, till his death in 1975.
As the film progresses, Robert learns about some of Escriva's humanitarian and what is called Christian works during his life. We also discovery Malolo;s duplicity, immorality and traitorous acts. Set against the backdrop of civil war, the scenes of mano-a-mano as well as explosive warfare in the streets of Madrid and throughout the countryside hark to historical recreations. The quiet scenes where discussion and decision making occur are brief tableaus of Escriva's selfless goodness. And the anguish, passion and remorse in the emotional scenes seem more melodramatic than dramatic. The audience is removed from the inner lives of the characters, perhaps because the large time span covered in the film allows for only brief glimpses into our characters from event to event and we are not allowed to be emotionally invested in them. As well, I don't feel I learned much about the actual issues of this bloody and disastrous conflict, nor do I feel familiar with St. Josemaria Escriva or his works, including Opus Dei and what it stands for or accomplishes (only briefly referred to in the film). I remember having once seen a documentary on Escriva on TV from which I was more informed and emotionally involved than with 'There Be Dragons.'
There Be Dragons
Director/Writer: Roland Joffe
Cast: Charlie Cox, Wes Bentley, Dougray Scott, Unax Ugalde, Olga Kurylenko
Time: 120 min
Opening May 6 at Century 9 Theatres in San Francisco.
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