Vladimir: confusing psychological thriller about a tormented artist

Daniele Araoz returns to the role of cinematic protagonist with Vladimirthe confusing story of a plastic artist who, in the midst of a creative crisis and as a consequence of a tragic event, He begins to suffer from hallucinations in which death haunts him at every moment.. But not even his enormous talent saves the film from sinking.

In an ever solemn atmosphere, the vague plot follows the steps of Vladimir (Daniel Aráoz), an elderly and important painter who suffers the loss of Raulito (Enrico Dumont), one of his best companions, when he falls from a balcony of his atelier, during a party where alcohol and cigarette smoke free the personalities of those present.

The tragic event triggers a personal crisis which, first, puts him in a total lack of inspiration and, then, pushes him to a creative explosion characterized by the production of enormous dark paintings, with thick lines, with deformed facesalmost imprecise, whose gazes challenge and frighten the observer, while we listen to him utter sentences that are grandiose and grandiose.

Everything becomes even more complicated with the presence of Pereda’s accident (Carlo Belloso), a corrupt police officer who has an affair with Mora (Maria Eugenia Rigon), Vladimir’s girlfriend/lover and convinced of his guilt in his friend’s death. Added to this is the inexplicable disappearance of Margot (Mariela Pizzo), his usual model and muse.

However, he continues his work with an unstoppable frenzy, despite the increasingly dire circumstances that surround him.

The artist in his labyrinth

The torment of a gloomy existence, isolation and impotence impose themselves on the daily life of the skilled master of the brush, leading him into a downward spiral from which he will not be able to escape despite Héctor’s help (Marcelo Melingo), the dealer interested only in selling the works to the highest bidder, and Francis (German baudino), his friend since his youth.

Complex film, with touches of a psychological thriller that are not too clear or explicit, in which an attempt is made to explore the obsessions and difficulties that every artist usually suffers, despite it doesn’t finish building a clearer plot with which we can empathize. Instead, the film’s formulaic tone and a weak script conspire to capture attention.

Owner of an eerie presence and a seductive guttural saying, Aráoz provides a haunting composition that captivates beyond what is told. Belloso is no exception and provides a menacing mask this contributes to the climate of black policing. Also standing out are Dumont, son of the remembered actor Ulises, and Mimí Ardú, whose brief appearances are enough to demonstrate the acting talent of both. Unfortunately the rest of the cast isn’t up to par.

The film was directed correctly by the plastic artist Martín Riwnyj, who confessed to having fused fiction with his personal experience, for this story which, according to him, is nourished by real experiences, some tragic and others comical, that he lived throughout his life as a painter.

File

Vladimir

Qualification: Regular

Psychological thriller. Argentina, 2023. 72′, SAM 16. Screenplay and direction: Martin Riwnyj With: Daniel Aráoz, Carlos Belloso, Marcelo Melingo, María Eugenia Rigon, Mariela Pizzo, Germán Baudino, Enrique Dumont and Mimí Ardú Rooms: Hoyts Abasto, Cinepolis Recoleta, Atlas Caballito, Cinema Devoto, Multiplex Lavalle, Atlas Flores, Gaumont, Hoyts Unicenter, Showcase Norte, Cinepolis Pilar.