Experimental filmmaker Lisandro Alonso (“La libertad,” 2001; “Los muertos,” 2004) moves further toward narrative in the gorgeous, elusive “Jauja,” with producer-composer Viggo Mortensen a dream figure at the center of a restlessly unfamiliar, even radical nineteenth-century Argentine Western. It’s a mystery, to be sure. Mortensen plays a Danish engineer who takes a job in Patagonia, only to have his daughter run off with a soldier. A journey begins… a nightmare persists. And there will be magical dogs. For fans of his four earlier features, “Jauja” is a joy, but many might be confounded. Shot in lovely, softly saturated color in the 4:3 “Academy” format by cinematographer Timo Salminen, best known for his work with Finnish minimalist master Aki Kaurismäki. 101m. (Ray Pride)
“Jauja” opens Friday, June 5 at Siskel. The trailer is below.
Ray Pride is Newcity’s Senior Editor and Film Critic. He is a contributing editor of Filmmaker magazine.
Ray’s history of Chicago Ghost Signs is planned for publication next year. Previews of the project are on Twitter and on Instagram. More photography on Instagram.
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