Please enable javascript to view this site.

Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image

Rodrigo Cortés Archives - ShowBizCafe.com

Rodrigo Cortés Archives - ShowBizCafe.com

Karen Posada

By

2012/07/10 at 12:00am

Red Lights

07.10.2012 | By |

Red Lights

‘Red Lights’ is an interesting psychological thriller up to a certain point; because it begins to get so complicated it is easy to loose interest. The subject is far-fetched, although it gives us both aspects of the matter one begins to win over the other without much explanation as to why. We can appreciate the fact that obviously director Rodrigo Cortés explored the angles of the subject of paranormal things and science, but it falls short at the end and leaves us with a sour taste.

 

In this film two physicists, doctor Margaret Matheson (Sigourney Weaver) and her apprentice Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy) investigate in a scientific way what others believe to be paranormal phenomena. By doing this they’ve brought to light all the ghost hunters, mind readers and others, showing their dishonesty. But when the psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro) returns after 30 years of retirement, even Matheson who isn’t afraid of anyone tells Buckley that Silver is dangerous and isn’t worth investigating. Buckley obsessively wants to investigate Silver without caring about the warnings; with Sally’s (Elizabeth Olsen) help they risk everything to find out what Silver is hiding.  

 

Cortés told us in our interview that he wanted to explore how the human mind works, that we believe what we want to believe and this changes the perception of many things. The game of uncertainty between the audience and the characters in the screen as to what is really happening works and is what keeps the mystery of the film alive; since science and the paranormal face off to show us the reality of each character. It’s interesting to see how the scientist work, as well as how the tricksters work and how the believers reacts. This is the base and heart of the film.

 

Despite this the subject begins to be too complicated and certain things start to happen without any explanation. It’s had to believe in a movie that makes vague questions without exploring them more and that at the same time shows random scenes without any explanation. The movie doesn’t have a lot of action, except for one of the most violent scenes I’ve seen in a while, which makes it boring at times. But, the most disappointing thing of all is that in the culminating point although it gives us a revelation is isn’t satisfying. Obviously one theory wins over the other but we are not told why.

 

Without a doubt the three main actors: Weaver, Murphy and De Niro give us first class performances; specially Weaver, they take their characters to the point where the script allows them to. Olsen is left so much in the dark that she’s basically inexistent until she is needed. Cortés’ talent is easily seen, but perhaps if he let loose he would be able to give us a more complete movie.

 

According to Cortés he decided to make this film in English because he believes there’s a bigger paranormal market in the United States, I disagree since if it would have been in Spanish it would surely have a bigger audience in Latin America. The people that tend to believe in the paranormal or are curious about it can give this thriller a chance since it combines the old art of psychics with the modern world of science; everyone else stay away. I warn those that decide to watch it to keep their expectations low.      

Jack Rico

By

2012/05/29 at 12:00am

First poster of Robert De Niro in ‘Red Lights’

05.29.2012 | By |

First poster of Robert De Niro in 'Red Lights'

Here is another sign that Hispanics are climbing the Hollywood echelons …. Spanish director Rodrigo Cortés has a new thriller entitled RED LIGHTS where the legendary actor Robert De Niro one of the protagonists. Here is the first movie poster showing De Niro.

A psychological thriller which explores the human brain’s perception mechanisms and the diffuse frontiers between belief and science, RED LIGHTS starts out from the experiences of two rationalist scientists (Cillian Murphy and Sigourney Weaver) who dissect phenomena from the metapsychic world, and the clash of forces with a world famous psychic they bring about. They must deal with the possibility of the supernatural when they meet with renowned psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro). The past and the present of each the protagonists contain still unrevealed shadows, setting in train a dark story of growing tension, full of unexpected twists and turns.

The film was at Sundance Film Festival and had good reviews, but they say that the ending really leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Cortes is expected to set the end when the film opens this summer.

“Red Lights” also stars Elizabeth Olsen and Toby Jones and opens July 13.

Robert De Niro, Red Lights Poster

Jack Rico

By

2010/01/25 at 12:00am

Lionsgate picks up Spanish film with Ryan Reynolds

01.25.2010 | By |

Lionsgate picks up Spanish film with Ryan Reynolds

Lionsgate announced today that it has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to the 2010 Sundance Film Festival sensation, BURIED, directed by Rodrigo Cortés (THE CONTESTANT). A taut, inventive thriller, BURIED stars Ryan Reynolds (THE PROPOSAL, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE) and is written by Chris Sparling (the upcoming MERCY).  The producers are Adrián Guerra and Peter Safran (NEW IN TOWN, MEET THE SPARTANS); Alejandro Miranda is executive producer, alongside Rodrigo Cortés. The director of photography is Eduard Grau (A SINGLE MAN).  The announcement was made today by Joe Drake, Lionsgate Co-Chief Operating Officer and Motion Picture Group President, and Jason Constantine, Lionsgate President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions.

Said Constantine, “BURIED is one of the tightest, most intense thrillers we’ve ever seen, and we were absolutely determined to bring it home to Lionsgate.  BURIED is a powerful reminder that all you really need for an unforgettable movie experience is a great story, inventive filmmaking and brilliant acting.  And because of the combined excellence of Rodrigo, Ryan and Chris, it’s all there in BURIED.”

“I’m very excited to be working with Lionsgate,” affirmed Cortés.  “They are consistently creative and know how to use their resources to make the strongest possible impact – which is exactly what we set out to do with BURIED.  So it’s a very natural fit.”

Commented Safran, “Making BURIED has been a deeply rewarding creative experience, and I am fortunate to have had outstanding producing partners in Adrián and Alejandro.  We are delighted to be joining forces with my good friends at Lionsgate, and look forward to making BURIED the breakout hit it deserves to be.”

The film is about Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds), truck driver and family man, wakes up BURIED ALIVE in an old wooden coffin.  Not knowing who might have put him there or why, his only chance to escape from this nightmare is a mysterious cell phone.  Poor reception, battery and lack of oxygen are his worst enemies in a race against time: Paul has only 90 minutes to be rescued.

Select a Page