El Greco (1966)

That was an excellent one.

A Masterpiece!

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

for reflect, "ad usum Delphini", a period, a life and an art. for the mix of sadness and romanticism. for the work of Mell Ferrer. without be a great film, giving the impression to be part of the so many frescoes of the Hollywood from the same period, it is nice and seductive and noble in its generous message about compromises, glory, politic and Church. and this represents a precious virtue for define it as an oasis. for atmosphere and for the grace of details. and, sure, for something special. like an old scent . so, a beautiful film.

About an artist. And about a slice of Spain history. A love story and definition of art against prejudices. In same time,delicate description of stranger condition. A Hollywood production, with same recipes of "ad usum delphini" history, glamor and unhappy love, with a magnificent Mell Ferrer and sweet colors. Seed of nostalgia, chair for rediscover of past, few flavor of childhood, with great heroes and nice adventures, "El Greco" is form of a fado. Portrait of an era, circle of magic gestures and hope, victory of a not-yet born Don Quijote. It is not a masterpiece. But it is more that. An escape. And lucky coin. Window. To a world who believes in everyone.

EL GRECO tackles the life of the famous artist who spent most of his life in Toledo, Spain and whose paintings are marked by his unique style of portraying church figures and the common man. But this film is a weak attempt that lacks substance in telling the painter's story which, for dramatic conflict, involves his brush with the Spanish Inquisition and eventual dismissal of the charges, which changed his life forever.MEL FERRER is admirable in the title role, the costumes and sets filmed in Madrid are sumptuous and some of the supporting roles are well played, especially RENZO GIOVAMPIETRO as Brother Felix (who sounds an awful lot like Leo Genn in "Quo Vadis"). But the final scenes with Elk Greco immersing himself in the world of the common man and the insane, are a mishmash and end the film on a weak note. The choral work is effective but becomes almost too obtrusive before the film is over.Hopefully, some day someone will do a film on "El Greco" that is as substantial as the earlier Hollywood film on "Rembrandt" and the Van Gough treatment in "Lust for Life". But EL GRECO is flawed by a weak script and slow pacing under the direction of Luciano Salce.Not recommended.

"El Greco" is the engrossing story of the great artist's years in 16th century Toledo. With the preponderance of films dealing with English and French history in cinema, this film gives a much needed, rare and welcome glimpse of the Spanish culture's rich history. Ferrer accomplished an exceptional feat in producing this film and acting the title role. It is obviously a labor of love, with the costumes, settings, music, and events beautifully evocative. Having seen many of the works ("The Death of Count Orgaz", etc.) and the artist's Toledo workshop in person, I can vouch for the period authenticity. Some of the events will come as a surprise when the religious and mystical content of his work is considered. As the film portrays, El Greco ran afoul of the Inquisition and later produced some of his greatest works out of his greatest anguish. A must for lovers of art and Spanish history. Will we ever see a comparable film about the life of Velazquez, another of the many immortal masters of art this great nation has produced?