The spectacular characteristic debut from actor turned director Manuela Martelli, 1976 is an elegantly circumspect Spanish-language drama set towards the backdrop of Pinochet-era Chile. Carmen (Aline Küppenheim) is an elegant older lady whose marriage to a health care provider has afforded her an enviably sheltered life-style. Her main concern once we meet her is selecting precisely the correct paint color for the renovations on her summer time house. However then the native priest persuades her to take care of a wounded radical, Elías (Nicolás Sepúlveda), and Carmen begins to understand simply how harmful her nation is for many who dare to disagree with its leaders.
Küppenheim is terrific, her precision and restraint within the position drawing us into the story. Mariá Portugal’s analogue digital rating is eerily atmospheric. And a recurring motif of footwear reminds us of the significance of toeing the Pinochet line.
