The Aura (2005)

Very refreshing and intriguing movie about an -nearly- ordinary person getting involved into a gangster business.I love this movie. It is slow, but that just gives you the time to think "what would I do ?". Unique story, unique colors and pictures. Very good characters and actors. Just watch it if you can.

The Argentinian writer-director Fabián Bielinsky gained international fame and recognition for his twist-filled feature length debut feature "Nine Queens" in 2000. Sadly, he only completed one more film before dying unexpectedly in 2006. "The Aura" is a much more obscure film that did not receive anything like its predecessor's worldwide distribution and attention, and when you see it you kind of understand why - it's a less accessible, less enjoyable film. That does not mean it's not worth seeing, though. First of all, you should know that - despite what the title or the poster might suggest - there are no supernatural elements here; it is, essentially, a heist movie like "Nine Queens", albeit a more serious one. Bielinsky directs with a sometimes mesmerizing virtuosity, but his script could have been tighter; the film is overlong at 2 hours plus. Darin's mostly impassive performance also requires some audience adjustment. But the final 15 minutes are quite suspenseful, and overall it is clear that Bielinsky was a gifted artist. **1/2 out of 4.

The Aura (2005)A special film, set in southern Argentina, that plays with the interior mechanizing thoughts of a taxidermist with epilepsy who by accident is on the fringe of a major crime. The leading man, Esteban, played by Ricardo Darin, is penetrating and subtle and persuasive. The story supports his high level of sheer acting by turning and turning further as you go. There are times it seems slow, for sure, but the deliberate pace is something like the deliberate thinking done on screen by Esteban.One of the brave strengths of the style of filming has become common in the last decade or two--we see something happen and only later realize it is completely imagined by the character. The surprise is fun, and your mind has to quickly reposition yourself as a viewer to what the current reality actually is. This happens right away and it's a brilliant kind of storytelling. In a similar way, we see Esteban's thoughts race visually as he thinks through his answers--a fast series of mental images from earlier observations has him logically assembling his next move right before our eyes. The effect is both fast and engaging. And Darin is so likable and respectable in his quiet brooding, it's easy to join him in his head.Director and writer Fabian Bielinsky shows brilliant planning and a lyrical photographic vision (with cinematographer Checco Varese), and it's a sad loss to read he died just after the release of this movie. If you can adjust to the methodical pace, and enjoy the construction and psychology of movies like this ("Memento" comes to mind as a flashier American film in a similar vein), you'll really appreciate it. Yes, it reveals its cleverness a little too much sometimes, or adds characters (like the guy at the casino) who are interesting and yet end up a it peripheral. You can study and quibble over the details in a movie like this. But overall it's a special film, worth watching with appreciation.

El Aura is the movie about an epileptic person who has a brilliant mind which always makes up ways to commit theft in the most perfect way. He goes on a hunting trip with a co worker, who had to return prematurely. Things turns in an unexpected way and the protagonist is left with a perfectly planned heist. How the epileptic person gets into the heist team without arousing suspicion and how the perfect heist goes all wrong at a pivotal time.....This is a very well directed neo noir thriller which grips you till the end. The movie begins slow but I guess that whats actually builds the tension around the movie. Ricardo Darin gave a magnificent lead performance with excellent support cast. What separates it from other movies is its unpredictable story and twists that comes along throughout the movie. The screenplay is top notch and background score is captivating. Overall, I would recommend this movie to everyone desiring to see a brilliant film that will keep you on the edge throughout. Don't Miss It. My Verdict: 8/10