PIC of the Week – The Executioner
Article Series by Ray Schillaci
There were a few films to pick from this week. Most notably, No Time to Die, The Last Duel and Halloween Kills. All of them appealing to their own audience and I pondered over this dilemma as to which would be my PIC for this week. Bond would cater to the 007 crowd. The latest Michael Myers rampage should satisfy the less than discerning Halloween crowd. Ridley Scott’s new epic may have star power and look pretty, but the question is how many are actually interested in one last duel through a misogynistic period during these Me Too times. All things considered, I turned to something so unique, bizarrely funny and touching that the Criterion Collection had to offer, Spain’s The Executioner (Spanish title – El Verdugo).
My God, what a concept. A close to retiring executioner, Amadeo, befriends a mild-mannered funeral employee, José Luis. To take a look at Amadeo you would never guess his career. He’s a tiny old gentle man that has great reverence for those that are condemned. Both men have social issues due to their jobs. No one wants to have anything to do with Amadeo to the point that his daughter, Carmen, cannot find a boyfriend because her father’s occupation is reviled. At the same time, Jose has trouble finding a girl to date because his job repels women.
Needless to say, when these two get together, José and Carmen appear to be a good match. But, their dalliance leads to a shameful discovery by her father and he is beside himself. Amadeo is also struggling with his pending retirement. After much consideration, Amadeo discovers a way to kill two birds with one stone (pun intended).
He will be instrumental in getting the two married, restoring his honor and manage to hand down his profession to his new son-in-law all the while attaining a new home for the three of them as long as his son-in-law remains as the executioner. But, José is far from keen on the idea. After just dating Carmen, he’s not sure if he’s ready to take the leap into marriage and the last thing he would ever do is be an executioner. Just the idea of hurting someone makes him ill.
There is so much charm and dark humor wrapped up in this quaint little story that is disarming in its approach that director/writer Luis García Berlanga and his two co-writers have taken. It could have easily gone the madcap route and been silly and unmemorable. But, the talent behind this film turns it into one of the best films out of Spain and perhaps one of the most unique films in cinema history. I could easily place it alongside Hal Ashby’s Harold and Maude and Jared Hess’ Napoleon Dynamite.
Once again, Criterion outdoes itself with the Blu presentation. For a modest budget film shot in 1963, the look is both sharp and crisp in its black and white cinematography. No scratches or noise is noticed. Blacks, whites and grays all appear perfectly balanced. This is a beautiful presentation and has never looked this good until now.
Only track supplied is LPCM 1.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided. The clarity of the sound is very good even though the sound design itself is far from impressive. But, the absence of cracks, dropouts and distortion of a film this age is a big plus.
I’m impressed with what Criterion has to offer in the way of supplements. A little over and hour and a half of bonus material as follows:
• Original trailer in Spanish, with optional English subtitles.
• Pedro Almodovar – short video interview discussing the significance of Luis García Berlanga’s The Executioner.
• Bad Spaniard – documentary film takes a closer look at the life and work of Luis García Berlanga and examines the key themes in The Executioner.
• La mitad invisible – archival episode of the Spanish television program La mitad invisible which examines the history and long-lasting appeal of The Executioner.
• An illustrated leaflet featuring critic David Cairn’s essay “By the Neck” and technical credits.
The Executioner has won praise, awards and criticism as well. The film was recognized by the Venice Film Festival, but also condemned as “communist” by the Spanish ambassador to Italy. Some call it a twisted comedy while others describe it as a farce. You can be the judge. I cannot recommend this film enough. Sadly, the only thing going against it is those who are afraid of subtitles. It’s time to get over that and enjoy one of the most original films in cinematic history. You may either seek out the Blu at your nearest Barnes & Noble or find the film on the Criterion Channel.
Lowest Price – $19.99 – Amazon
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