THAT HAPPY COUPLE
[ESA PAREJA FELIZ]
Juan, a disenchanted movie theater electrician, and Carmen, an idealistic seamstress, are a married couple living in postwar Spain, eager to improve their lot in life. Their dream comes true when a soap company selects them as the "the happy couple" for a day, showering them with lucrative gifts — but will these material possessions truly bring them the joy they've long sought? Luis García Berlanga and co-director Juan Antonio Bardem lampoon Franco's economic policies in this brilliant satire tinged with elements of Neorealism. DIR/SCR Luis García Berlanga, Juan Antonio Bardem. Spain, 1953, b&w, 83 min. In Spanish with English subtitles. NOT RATED
Preceded by:
THE CIRCUS (1950) [EL CIRCO]
Madrid, 1949. An American circus comes to town, enthralling the residents with its enormous tent and entertaining performers, led by none other than Buffalo Bill. Produced during his third year of studies at the Institute of Cinematographic Research and Experimentation, THE CIRCUS is a microcosm of the themes Luis García Berlanga would explore throughout his career: an exploration of the idiosyncrasies of a certain time and place, and subtle criticisms of the Franco regime. DIR/SCR Luis García Berlanga. Spain, 1950, b&w, 19 min. In Spanish with English subtitles. NOT RATED
AFI Member passes accepted.
Series co-presented by AFI Silver Theatre and SPAIN arts & culture.
Run Time: 103 Minutes
Opening Date: Sunday, November 07, 2021
Genre: Satire
