Nadie conoce a nadie (1999)

NOBODY KNOWS ANYBODY (Nadie Conoce a Nadie) Aspect ratio: 2.39:1 (Panavision)Sound format: Dolby DigitalUnusual thriller from Mateo Gill, in which an unhappy crossword designer (Spanish heartthrob Eduardo Noriega, from THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE and BURNT MONEY) is inadvertently 'recruited' by a sinister organization during Holy Week in Seville, plunging him into a nightmare of serial murder and terrorism, and culminating in a heartstopping sequence at the height of the city's religious festivities, during which Noriega is forced to make the most catastrophic decision of his life.Gill and cinematographer Javier Salmones frame their widescreen images in a manner which suggests nothing less than cosmic forces at work, rendering the population of an entire city culpable in the moral destruction of an unwitting hero (illustrated by an extraordinary sequence in which Noriega is pursued by hooded figures through narrow back-streets lined with tourists who simply stand back and gape as hunters and quarry engage in a battle with toy ray guns!). The reason for all this mayhem stretches credibility, but the film - based on a novel by Juan Bonilla - is crafted with technical precision, and distinguished by an extravagant music score by Gill's longtime associate and fellow filmmaker Alejandro Almenábar (OPEN YOUR EYES, THE OTHERS), designed to convey the central character's growing isolation as he falls ever deeper into a city-wide conspiracy. A fine example of European commercial cinema, with scenes that rival Hitchcock or Argento at their most creative.(Spanish dialogue)

I just saw this film. Wow! Yet another mind-twisting Spanish film. This movie has pushed my fear of cathedrals and the harmless/harmful icons found within. ENoriega's character seems somewhat convincing, yet somewhere along the way, he just doesn't pull through. In general, the characters seem weak (not well developed), but the plot is interesting. Using the sight of the '92 Expo brought back memories of when my uncle went to represent PR!

Alejandro Amenábar is a busy boy. Not only does he write, direct and score his own films, he also finds the time to collaborate on other people's projects. He delivered script and music for this Spanish production, directed by the young Mateo Gil. Those familiar with Amenábar's own Tesis and Abre los ojos, will expect a stylish, haunting nightmare with more brains than you'd normally expect in this kind of fare. Which is exactly what he delivers. Nothing is what it seems in this cyber/internet-thriller. Friendship is obsolete, love is betrayed, playing games on the net means getting more than one bargained for. Especially strong is the sense of loss when boredom breaks down the last vestiges of whatever scruples might be left in the young psychopaths. Visually exciting with some accurately staged action sequences, Nadie conoce a nadie can hold its own against big budget Hollywood fare. Mateo Gil manages to keep this mixture of horror, mystery and romance finely balanced through a sober direction that always finds the right tone. Another name to remember.

Although similar to "The Game" this movie is far more believable . The storyline is clear, the action goes on gradually. Another good thing about it is that the actors are quite unknown (at least out of Spain !) which help to build efficient and believable characters.There are some minor flaws but the entire movie is not spoilt by typical Hollywood clichés. I peculiarly loved the cynical end, that was a fine way to close that film.Nice crafty work : 8/10