Elvira I Will Give You My Life But I'm Using It (2014)

Too much of everything

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

HUGE SPOILERS *** Just like the old saying that we hear in so many songs "I went out for a smoke and I never went back". Papa Gustavo (Carlos Bardem, Javier's older brother!) goes out one night and never comes home, leaving Mama Elvira with two little niños. Elvira pretends all is well, until she can't take it anymore. Some weird edits when she goes searching through his drawers. Then, her friends and neighbors start to notice that she's acting a little nuts. Its all done quite well, and we feel the panic that Elvira is going through. Of course, like any episode of Three's Company... so much grief could have been avoided if the protagonist(s) had just told the truth from the beginning. Here, we can understand the shame Elvira feels; there is the shame of realizing what a troubled marriage it is, and the fact that her man may have run off with another guy. There are some funny moments, and some very sad moments. All very well done. My one issue was a very stereo-typical plot point... kind of a 1940s film code moment. Another film where the gay guy has to die at the end.( I DID say spoilers...) I also felt bad for the dude helping Elvira, but he's young, so I guess he'll heal over time. Stars Cecilia Suárez, Vanessa Bauche, and Luis Gerardo Méndez. Written and directed by Manolo Caro. He's done some great projects over the last ten years. Available on netflix.

The truth is that this film isn't half bad, it has high production values, some solid performances from the cast of women, specially Cecilia Suárez in the main role and the storyline isn't bad.The problem comes when the director tries too hard to emulate his hero, Pedro Almodovar, losing all of it's own identity. Even trying to include a Mexican touch on it, you can't miss the intentional references, just like his prior film, 'No se si cortarme las venas o dejármelas largas'.That's too bad. Maybe in his next works he can find his own voice and portrait something unique, besides trying to emulate or copy his hero.

First of all, if you haven't seen this movie, you're making a huge mistake. This new film, from Mexican director, writer, and producer Manolo Caro, will make you believe again in the future of Mexican Cinema. Maybe I'm overreacting a little, but let me explain myself.Cecilia Suárez's performance is astounding, revealing once again her capability of making us live through her emotions on screen, and proving us why she is the best choice for the lead role. And not only Cecilia's given an amazing performance, but also every performer in this movie, Mexican actors and actresses who have worked their way in this industry over the years.This entire movie is filled with the drama Elvira is living, combined with the dark comedy Mexican audiences are used to. Something I find really interesting of Manolo Caro's works, is the power he has over his cast. As a director, Manolo manages to bring out the very best of every character, making it easy for the audience to feel somehow related and identified to the situations that the character goes through, not only in this film but also in his previous productions, such as "No sé si cortarme las venas o dejármelas largas" (2013), and "Amor de mis amores" (2014).As I said earlier in this review, Mexican Cinema is not dead, neither is going through any kind of decline or decay, the Mexican Cinema is growing and building itself up. This film, and Manolo Caro are proof of it.

Cecilia Suarez as I already knew is one very talented actress, and in this movie she has the opportunity to showcase her underrated talent, besides she looks GORGEOUS thorough the movie, like a golden age Hollywood actress. Her work is so organic that you believe that Elvira's struggle is real, and wish you could help her.Her character, Elvira is a woman with two kinds and a husband that lefts her, and now, her life is gonna change forever, having to deal with money, children and a big city. This movie shows how women support each other in life, and that one has to reinvent themselves when life doesn't go as planned, and sometimes this changes makes you realize how strong you can be. The movie has a dark them portrayed in a funny way, thanks to the cast, you can laugh at really bad situations, since it has a lot of Mexican humor. Pay attention to the guest appearances by other actors. This movie is a must see, portraits really well the medium class of the Mexican society, and how we can laugh our problems off.