Little Ashes – Film Review

Twilight’s Robert Pattinson Portrays the Artist Dalí as a Young Man

Jun 5, 2009 Denise Castillón

This historical drama spotlights a controversial sexual relationship between Dali and poet Federico García Lorca in the midst of Spain's restrictive fascist society.

The sensational, unrequited love story should provide more than enough narrative for Little Ashes. Instead, the film becomes overloaded with story directions.

The script, by first-time screenwriter, Philippa Goslett, seems to suffer from a form of Attention Deficit Disorder, and the editing provides no remedy. “Little Ashes” is the first film in over five years for director Paul Morrison. One has to wonder as to what happened in latency to the talent of the award-winning British director, (Solomon and Gaenor, Wondrous Oblivion).

Visionaries and Revolutionaries

Little Ashes is set in conservative 19th century Spain, during the politically-turbulent period that led up to its infamous civil war. The film conveys the country’s emerging liberal political views through a literary circle of influential and privileged Spanish poets and artists, known as “Generación del '27”.

The first half of Little Ashes presents Salvador Dali (Pattinson) as a new student at the prestigious Fine Arts Academy in Madrid. The ostentatious artiste and self-proclaimed genius is portrayed as socially-awkward amongst his peers. Nevertheless, Dali is accepted into a group of artistic intellectuals, which included the poet Federico García Lorca and the filmmaker Luis Bunuel.

With a mix of admiration and attraction, an infatuated Dali pursues fellow classmate, Federico García Lorca (Beltrán).

Nude And Landscapes

At this point, the film’s a homoerotic love story between the two creative free thinkers who advocate “no limits”. The cinematography sensually captures the fledgling love affair. In particular, there is an erotic, yet graceful underwater sequence of the pair skinny dipping during a visit to Dali’s family home.

While, it has never been substantiated that Dali and García Lorca consummated their homosexual relationship, the film ends their romance as a result of Dali’s sexual ambiguity.

For the heartthrob actor Pattinson’s young fan base, his nude scenes will have to suffice. To watch Pattinson’s portrayal of the avant-garde painter is as uncomfortable as the awful hair pieces worn for his characterization. By contrast, the passions of the famously sentimental García Lorca are earnestly articulated by Javier Beltrán in his film acting debut.

The second half of “Little Ashes” begins with Dali dropping out of school to join Picasso, and the other surrealists, in Paris. Now focusing on the dejected Lorca, the film provides a more substantial character study. Here, we’re given some insight into his personal and creative growth as the distraught bard immerses himself in his traveling theatrical productions and addressing political rallies supporting the Anti-Franco socialistic movement.

Cast and Crew of Little Ashes

Stars Javier Beltrán, Robert Pattinson (Twilight, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Matthew McNulty and Marina Gatell.

Directed by Paul Morrison (Wondrous Oblivion, Solomon and Gaenor). Written by Philippa Goslett. Cinematography by Adam Suschitzky. Edited by Rachel Tunnard. Original Music by Miguel Mera. Production Designed by Pere Francesch. Costumes Designed by Antonio Belart

Produced by Carlo Dusi, Jonny Persey and Jaume Vilalta. Executive Producers are Stephen P. Jarchow, Paul Colichman, Debra Stasson, Luke Montagu

(Running Time: 112 min)

(Rated: R, for sexual content, language and a brief disturbing image)

(Language: Spanish-accented English, and Spanish, with English subtitles or dubbing)

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Javier Beltrán as Federico García Lorca and Robert	Robert Pattinson as Salvador Dalí	Javier Beltrán as Federico García Lorca and Robert
Marina Gatell as Magdellena