Pablo Larrain is a director who has made two amazing films the last two times. Both films Jackie and Spencer have dealt with some form of royalty. Whether it be the wife of assassinated President John F. Kennedy or the wife of Prince Charles. So keeping with the trend he has made a movie about the ruler of a country in South America but El Conde, the count as the title translates to, has a penchant for blood.

This film has a nice narrated segment at the beginning of the movie to get viewers caught up on this man who has lived a few lives. The narration is by Gillian Anderson if you have the English dubs on Netflix. Which is an interesting easter egg that I will not reveal in this review. Once the story settles down into its main story it boils down to what most of us have problems with. Our families and finances. It’s just interesting how the film deals with these topics that make it fun.

The film is mainly shot in beautiful black and white with a few flashbacks that are in color to differentiate the present from the past. The black and white cinematography creates a noir style which in some situations in the movie works very well. Along with the look and feel of the film is the pretty amazing sound. The score is a mix of beautifully played moments with a dreadfully dark other moment. They create a great dichotomy throughout the movie. The combination of the look and sound is a key element that makes this an above-average film.

This movie isn’t going to be for everybody but if you’re in the mood for something different this may be up your alley. Similar in a way to Bardo from Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu but better. This is obviously a passion project for Larrain who’s been making semi-autobiographical films the last couple of times out. He chose to do something different this time out and it may not be what people think it is. It has humor and a sense of fun that you wouldn’t expect from him based on his last two films. 

The cast is filled with mostly actors American audiences wouldn’t know but they are all very good in their various roles. There are a couple ex wives, a butler, and around five kids and they all have a significant role in the overall film. A woman pops up at the end makes the whole story come together and like I said this film has a major twist which is pretty crazy. I don’t think anybody will see it coming in the end.

The main character is an old man but his back story is fascinating and how he deals with everything going on in the present made me laugh. It’s typical family angst that is wrapped around a fantasy element. The two work quite well together even though you’d think they wouldn’t. One running gag is that one of the wives smells and the count won’t have anything to do with her because she’s been with another man. So he won’t do what he typically would do with a loved one. Except his family that is because he doesn’t want to involve them in this world he’s hiding from. A new girl in his life does attract him and he’s all up in her business. Which doesn’t make others very happy.

El Conde breaks new ground for Larrain. He does something different and unusual for him. The story is not normal and has various fantasy and dramatic elements that mix well together. The technical aspects including the cinematography and the score are the standouts regarding the production of the film. The acting is fine but a nice Easter egg is the English dubs by Gillian Anderson. If you choose to watch the film that way. I had a good time with this movie. I liked it much more than a similar film that came out last year. Though different in some ways. If you are looking for something different and fun look no further than this movie but be warned it’s not going to be for everybody.

3 stars

Dan Skip Allen