Dark Side of the Heart (1992)

In 1992, Argentine director Eliseo Subiela presented "The Dark Side of the Heart" – a film that promises to be not just a comedy, but a poetic parable about love, the search for an ideal, and overcoming earthly gravity, both physical and metaphorical. It's a film where everyday life mixes with magical realism, and philosophical reflections are clad in an ironic form. Subiela, known for his unique style, invites the viewer on a journey through a world where the boundaries between dream and reality blur, and feelings acquire a literal, almost surreal power.

Plot (no spoilers)

At the center of the story is the young and charismatic poet Oliverio, whose life is driven by one grand goal: to find the woman of his dreams, one who can fly. On his journey, he meets many women, but none of them meet his high, almost unearthly standards. Most of them, without much thought, Oliverio literally sends to perdition when they fail to live up to his expectations. However, everything changes when Anna appears on his path – a beautiful and sensual prostitute. Their relationship challenges conventional notions of love, sex, and passion, making one wonder what is true and what is merely an illusion. And while Oliverio and Anna try to sort out their feelings, a mysterious Death, in the form of a woman in black, secretly in love with him and relentlessly awaiting her hour, follows closely behind the Poet. But even almighty Death can face an unexpected obstacle – the unconquerable power of love.

Why it's worth watching

• Unique Genre Fusion: The film skillfully balances on the edge of comedy, romance, drama, and magical realism, offering a non-trivial and multifaceted viewing experience.
• Poetic View of Reality: The picture is permeated with metaphors and symbolism, transforming mundane situations into deep philosophical reflections on life, death, and love.
• Unconventional Characters: A poet searching for a flying woman, a prostitute with a deep soul, and personified Death experiencing earthly feelings create a vivid and memorable ensemble.
• Visual Inventiveness: The film uses surreal imagery and poetic aesthetics to convey the inner world of the characters and their desire to transcend the boundaries of everyday life.
• Directed by Eliseo Subiela: The work of the Argentine master guarantees profound dramaturgy and an unpredictable turn, immersing the viewer in reflections on human nature.

Themes

"The Dark Side of the Heart" deeply explores the themes of the search for an ideal and the disappointment that inevitably accompanies this search. The film touches upon eternal questions about the nature of love — can it be sincere if it arises from pragmatic relationships, and is it capable of overcoming any barriers, even earthly gravity? Another important theme is the clash of the earthly, sensual world with lofty, poetic aspirations. Finally, the film comprehends the inevitability of death, but presents it not as the end of everything, but as yet another aspect of existence that can be conquered by the true power of human feelings.

Verdict

"The Dark Side of the Heart" is not just a film; it's an invitation to reflection, an intellectual and emotional journey that will make you laugh, feel sad, and look at familiar things in a new way. If you appreciate cinema that isn't afraid to be bold, poetic, and profound, if you're ready for a comedy where humor isn't separated from philosophy, then this film by Eliseo Subiela will be a true discovery for you. It's a story about how even the most mundane relationships can lift us above the earth, proving that true love is capable of performing miracles.