Albert Serra’s Controversial Chaos: The Bullfighting Doc That Divides Audiences!

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Known Spanish filmmaker Albert Serra consistently elicits robust responses with his films, and he finds this appealing. His most recent work, his debut documentary titled “Afternoons of Solitude“, has followed suit. This bullfighting documentary was awarded the Golden Shell for Best Film at the San Sebastian Film Festival in the fall and continues to make rounds on the festival circuit.

Currently, Serra is participating in the 15th installment of the Luxembourg City Film Festival. He’s part of the jury for this event, which is headed by renowned Iranian film director Mohammad Rasoulof. The jury also includes VFX expert Jeff Desom known for his work on “Everything Everywhere All at Once”, and screenwriter Paul Laverty. This festival has previously hosted masterclasses conducted by British actor Tim Roth and Academy Award-winning director Alejandro Amenábar.

Serra prefers to leave a lasting impression on viewers with striking visuals. He stated this during an interview with THR between film screenings in Luxembourg, discussing his unique cinematic approach: “It’s either captivating or off-putting. The goal is for the movie to be a genuine experience.” Even if some viewers might dislike it at first glance, there’s still a wealth of information to be gleaned from it.

As a culture enthusiast, I find it fascinating how the same spectacle, like bullfighting, can evoke vastly different responses from viewers based on its geographical setting. In one context, it’s admired as a traditional ritual, while in another, it’s criticized as barbaric and cruel. This intriguing paradox is what truly captivates me.

Serra’s visual approach encourages viewers to perceive and discover aspects they might not notice with just their eyes. As he put it, “The aim is to delve deeper and capture footage that surpasses what the human eye can see, in an attempt to comprehend the hidden dynamics.” He maintains a sense of wonder and eagerness to be surprised, much like in his earlier works. For him, each film is an opportunity to uncover new mysteries.

Serra expressed that he desires the actors in his stories to catch him off guard. He wants to witness the unexpected, which is why he intentionally introduces a touch of disorder during filming – slightly more than just a little bit of chaos. Laughing, he admitted that he enjoys it when something unfolds that wasn’t planned, as it adds an extra layer of intrigue and complexity.

Serra mentioned that he works with camera operators who don’t require additional help. He highlighted that these operators handle all aspects, including the tripod. His aim is to have events occurring in front of the camera, and he strives to establish a setup that can efficiently record moments as they unfold.

Incidents occur during the afternoons as well, some of them quite grim. Pondering if the movie could be nominated for an Oscar, Serra mused aloud, “Could it possibly make the cut? Or is it just too outlandish? Too graphic?

The future will reveal more details, but as of now, Grasshopper Film has obtained the North American distribution rights for a film that premiered in the U.S. at the New York Film Festival towards the end of 2024. This movie will debut on June 27 at Film at Lincoln Center in New York, with additional screenings scheduled in other cities afterwards. Grasshopper describes the film as meticulously capturing both the stunning spectacle and tragic violence inherent in bullfighting.

In a conversation with THR, Serra emphasized the deep-rooted admiration for bullfighting that exists in the United States. He pointed out notable figures such as Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway who were enthusiasts of this tradition in the past.

As a gamer engrossed in a thought-provoking game, I often find myself questioning the creator’s intentions behind the narrative. This, however, is intentional. “Your interpretation is what truly matters as a player, not mine,” they might say. “If I have an opinion, it only restricts your ability to form yours.” In the realm of gaming and visual arts alike, there’s always an element of ambiguity within the images we see, for there are no set rules for how one should perceive or understand such art. You, the player, make your own conclusions.

In simpler terms, Serra mentioned that when dealing with contentious topics and graphic visuals, it’s essential to provide more room for viewers to process their thoughts. To achieve this, the film he created is quite repetitive, mirroring a ritual structure based on repetition, which allows viewers time to absorb the material and emotionally connect with it.

Besides employing repetition and other structural elements in his works, Serra also emphasizes using “anti-climax moments” as he describes them. These are instances where viewers might experience a subtle physical response or an urge to shift in their seats. He believes that this is something uniquely achievable in cinemas due to the larger screen size, which intensifies the intricacies of the visuals, particularly in his films, making it more immersive and detailed. This effect, he notes, cannot be replicated by streaming platforms.

How might the anticlimactic moments in Serra’s films affect viewers? “They encourage viewers to broaden their perspective and observe in unique ways,” he explained, adding that they should fully immerse themselves in the experience.

After afternoons, key aspects of bullfighting are showcased, such as its violent nature which Serra describes as being presented “in a measured manner.” Masculinity or machismo is another significant aspect, with the documentary frequently depicting a renowned matador and his devoted followers who idolize him. According to the filmmaker, the documentary also delves into the theme of narcissism.

Serra underscored that the film ‘Afternoons’ is provoking thought among viewers. He explained that life isn’t straightforward or easily categorized, and one must live experiences to truly understand them. In conclusion, he stated, ‘One can’t dismiss an experience without having gone through it.’ From an artistic perspective, the visuals are stunningly beautiful, powerful yet aesthetically pleasing – a pure delight for cinema lovers.

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2025-03-14 13:24