Calgary International Film Festival 2012 - NO

Posted on Monday, October 01, 2012 at 10:47 PM

Review Type: Festival
Movie: Calgary International Film Festival

NO

By Troy Steinke

In the new age of cinema, digital effects continue to push the limits of high definition. As we inch ever closer to UHDTV (google it), it was refreshing to hear that director Pablo Larrain chose to release "No" in a decidedly 80's-looking style. A seemingly first-hand account of competing political campaigns, "No" is a story about the politics of Chile as it struggled to escape fascism. Surprisingly, Augusto Pinochet held a referendum in 1980 giving Chileans the choice to either keep the existing dictatorial regime or move forward with something resembling a true democracy. Superstar ad executive Rene Saavedra (Gael Garcia Bernal) is hired by opponents to the Pinochet government to produce the nightly media campaign which afforded the 'No' vote 15 minutes of television time to make their case. In a bold and unconventional move (even by today's political attack-ad standards), Saavedra chooses to run ads that promote positivity and the benefits of freedom, rather than exploring the trappings of dictatorship. Set in an era where dissidents frequently disappeared in Chile, the cheeriness and humour of the campaign provided a unique contrast to a country shrouded in the shadow of violence and state rule.

The filmmakers used a pair of rebuilt 'U-Matic' cameras shooting in a 4:3 aspect ratio to immerse the viewer in the experience, while providing plenty of fodder for retro-photography enthusiasts. The analogue effect was distracting at first, but succeeded in transporting the viewer to a place and time - particularly when archival material was introduced seamlessly. Apart from the boldly artistic appeal of "No", the performances were somewhat lackluster. I found it difficult to understand the relationships between some of the principal characters and was confused by Saavedra's lack of emotion in some scenes. If you're hoping for explosions and car chases, you're not going to find them here - though there was never any promise of Hollywood theatrics in an art film.  There is a gentleness to "No" that reflects the attitude of the media campaign it sought to document, possibly to a fault. Slow at times and perhaps a bit too hip for the average movie-goer, "No" is still a great film that should be experienced by anyone who has a passion for cinema.