This bittersweet local comedy about the lives, loves and problems of four couples shows considerable promise for neophyte helmer Armero, even though much of the dialogue falls flat and some of the situations are forced. Pic may do OK in its home market, but probably won't make a ripple elsewhere.

This bittersweet local comedy about the lives, loves and problems of four couples shows considerable promise for neophyte helmer Armero, even though much of the dialogue falls flat and some of the situations are forced. Pic may do OK in its home market, but probably won’t make a ripple elsewhere.

Item is centered around Pablo, who has a negative slant on life and a new bedmate. The stresses in their relationship parallel those of three other couples who are Pablo’s friends, all of whom are not satisfied with their partners but too fearful to change their lives.

At the end of the film, all that seems to remain is the disenchantment and alienation of a sector of Spanish society which has lost its bearings — if it ever had any.

It's All Lies

(SPANISH)

Production

An Atrium Productions S.A. film, with the participation of Television Espanola S.A. Produced by Enrique Cerezo and Carlos Vasallo. Directed, written by Alvaro Fernandez Armero. Camera, Antonio Cuevas; editor, Ivan Aledo; music, Coque Malla; sets, Jon Arrentxe; sound, Julio Recuero. Reviewed at San Sebastian Film Festival (competing), Sept. 16, 1994. Running time: 103 MIN.

With

Lucia ... Penelope Cruz Pablo ... Coque Malla Ariel ... Jordi Molla Claudio ... Gustavo Salmeron
With: Irene Bau, Cristina Rosse Vinge, Fernando Colomo, Monica Lopez, Ariadna Gil, Patricia Garcia Menendez.
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