THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE IS NOT BEING DEAD
First let me say that this film is GORGEOUS. A Spanish/Swiss film, the look is clearly inspired by a mix of classic Film Noir and Catalan art.
The essence of the story is that Jacobo is a piano tuner with a secret – he doesn’t actually tune any pianos. He just goes to sleep, and wakes up to find that the pianos have been tuned.
The film jumps between the past and the present, and we learn that there is another man living in the house – in a hidden basement.
Of course, everything is a little more complicated than this.
The film is shot in black and white, which really emphasises some of the Film Noir quality, and creates a tangible sense of threat and mystery. The only use of colour – and still limited and muted – is in Jacobo’s dreams. Although having little to do with the main story, these provide a strong emotional backdrop for the film.
The music is also very important, and very beautiful, with some great piano and guitar work.
There is a lot to digest in this film – fear of ageing, and change, a dash of politics, and plenty of relationship baggage. I couldn’t really read any central message though, and that is perhaps its only real failure.
An intriguing, enjoyable and good-looking film.
Find the official site HERE.
