Gael García Bernal in Lav Diaz’s Arthouse Epic: A Contemplative Journey Through Colonialism
If you think “Gael García Bernal as Magellan” sounds like a captivating Netflix series, prepare yourself for a far different cinematic experience. Enter Lav Diaz, the Filipino auteur renowned for his slow-cinema masterpieces that challenge conventional norms. With a penchant for epically minimalist storytelling, Diaz’s works are designed for a niche audience—starkly contrasting with the flashy, quick edits common in modern streaming content.
A Premiere of Historical Significance
Premiere Venue: Cannes Film Festival
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Cast: Gael García Bernal, Ângela Azevedo, Amado Arjay Babon, Ronnie Lazaro
Director & Screenwriter: Lav Diaz
Diaz’s latest film, Magellan (Magalhães), made its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where his acclaimed work Norte, the End of History captured audiences back in 2013. However, this film is not meant for viewers who prefer their historical dramas action-packed and swiftly digestible.
The Bottom Line: A Time Capsule of Colonialism
A stunning time capsule that’s easier to admire than watch.
While often clocking in at over three hours, Diaz manages to provide a more accessible film experience with a runtime of only 160 minutes. Yet, this feature delivers an honest portrayal of a figure whose explorations laid the groundwork for devastating colonial practices.
The Opening Scene: A Harbinger of Change
The film starts with a profoundly striking scene: an indigenous woman shouting, “I saw a white man!” as she works gracefully by a river in an idyllic rainforest. This Biblical-like moment evokes the intrusion of Europeans into uncharted lands, reminiscent of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, foreshadowing the looming destruction of indigenous cultures.
Exploration and Exploitation: The Conflict in Focus
Set against the backdrop of the Conquest of Malacca in 1511, Magellan fights alongside Portuguese conquistador Afonso de Albuquerque. Unlike many historical dramas that offer clear heroes or villains, Diaz presents Magellan as a profit-driven figure, focused on exploiting the resources of newly discovered territories. The narrative unfolds from the bloodshed of Malacca to Magellan’s own demise at the Battle of Mactan in 1521, employing a series of elegantly composed tableaux that encourage viewers to reflect rather than react.
A Visual Masterpiece: Colors and Textures
While Diaz is famous for his use of black-and-white cinematography, Magellan is shot in rich colors—earthy greens, browns, and blues—thanks to his collaboration with co-cinematographer Artur Tort. The stunning recreation of ancient villages makes them feel eternal, nestled seamlessly within their jungle environment.
The Art of Battle: A Unique Perspective
Diaz opts to focus on the aftermath of conflict rather than the battles themselves. Instead of adrenaline-pumping clashes, we witness the artful representation of death, with bodies hauntingly splayed on the ground, a choice that some may find meditative, while others might view it as frustratingly slow-paced.
Character Depth: The Duality of Conquest
At the film’s heart is the complex character, Enrique, played by Amado Arjay Babon. Captured by Magellan, he experiences a transformation, slowly shedding his indigenous identity under colonial pressures. The contrast between Magellan’s relentless ambition and Enrique’s journey serves as a poignant commentary on the dehumanizing effects of colonization.
Political Undertones: Echoes of the Past
While Magellan caters to an art-house audience, it simultaneously delivers sharp political critiques that resonate today. The eerie rhetoric used by the conquistadors, framing their brutal expansions as a fight against Islam, parallels troubling sentiments we hear from modern far-right politicians in Europe. As viewers reflect on this timeless narrative, it becomes glaringly clear how history often seems poised to repeat itself.
Conclusion: A Divisive but Beautiful Epic
In Magellan, Diaz creates a film that is more of a visual experience than a traditional narrative, challenging audiences to engage thoughtfully with its themes of colonialism and exploitation. While it may not entertain the typical viewer expecting action and immediacy, those willing to traverse the lengthy and contemplative journey will find it a rewarding exploration of a pivotal moment in history.
So, when you’re ready for an experience that transcends the ordinary and invites reflection, Magellan stands as a testament to Diaz’s art and a profound commentary on the human condition.
