When Francisco Sanctis receives that call from an old friend, something lights up in him again. The flame of the young rebel and dreamer of a free world that he was begins to burn inside him. In Argentina in 1977 and overwhelmed by the routine to survive and the hope of a job promotion that never comes, that contact removes old times and changes the life of this man. At least for one night.
In the middle of the Sanctis dictatorship (Diego Velázquez) he finds out that in a few hours two people are going to disappear. His friend gives him the name, surname and address of those involved and Francisco must decide if he is risking his life and the peace of mind of his family to try to save these two strangers.
“The Long Night of Francisco Sanctis”Argentine film directed by Andrea Testa and Francisco Marquez and based on the homonymous novel by Humberto Costantini, plunges the viewer into what the country was like during the military years. It tells the fight of the inner rebel of a man defeated by the routine and the fears of that time.
The story stands out under two excellently accomplished pillars: the brilliant performance of Diego Velázquez in his leading role and the directors’ ability to recreate a tense and oppressive period climate.
The work of Velazquez It’s subtle and nuanced, conveying the anguish and uncertainty her character experiences in a very successful way. The internal struggle of Francisco Sanctis as he is torn between the moral duty of helping two strangers and the paralyzing fear he feels at the potential consequences of his action. His performance is filled with eloquent gestures and glances that reveal the emotional complexity of his character. The film does not show terror but rather that it is experienced in the body of the protagonist thanks to the extraordinary work of the man from Mar del Plata.
The story takes place between dark colors, sad routines and terrifying silences. “The Long Night of Francisco Sanctis” manages to capture the suffocating and claustrophobic atmosphere of the Argentine military dictatorship. The dark and desolate locations perfectly reflect the climate of fear and repression of those days. The film is full of closed shots and angular frames that reinforce the feeling of confinement and imminent danger by not knowing what lies beyond.
The feeling of urgency and constant tension is lived throughout the entire tape. Being told in real time, the viewer feels the pressure of the clock and the story has a balanced rhythm between moments of calm and nervousness.
“The Long Night of Francisco Sanctis” It is one of the best national productions of the last decade and is among the most realistic and moving of those that recount the reality of the Argentine dictatorship. Above all because it is explained from the side of the common man, neither from the resistance nor from the military. The film shows the constant presence of fear and paranoia in the daily life of the Argentine people.
In short, a remarkable film that stands out for its ability to recreate the oppressive and tense climate of the 1970s in Argentina. It is a film that captivates from beginning to end, leaving a strong emotional and reflective impression on one of the darkest moments in Argentine history. The ending is brilliant.
film sheet
- Original title: The Long Night of Francisco Sanctis
- Suspended gender
- Duration: 1h 18m
- Director: Andrea Testa and Francisco Márquez
- Country of Origin: Argentina
- Year: 2016
- Platform: CineAr.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
