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Fernando Solanas

Fernando Solanas was an Argentine film director, screenwriter, and politician renowned for his significant contributions to Latin American cinema. With a career that spanned over six decades, he is best known for his politically charged films that critiqued Argentine politics and society, such as La Hora de los Hornos (The Hour of the Furnaces), a pivotal work in the Third Cinema movement, which offered a detailed visual argument against neo-colonialism and capitalism in Latin America.

Throughout his career, Solanas faced significant challenges, including censorship and threats to his life, due to his outspoken criticism of oppressive regimes. Despite these obstacles, he remained dedicated to his artistic and political vision, continuing to produce films that addressed the pressing issues of his time. His later works, such as South, not only reflect his ongoing concern with social and environmental themes but also his enduring hope for a better future.

His films often address Argentine topics such as social injustice, economic disparities, and political corruption, providing a cinematic voice to the disenfranchised and marginalised. For instance, Memoria del Saqueo (Social Genocide) intricately explores the economic policies and crises that ravaged Argentina, highlighting their devastating effects on the population. His work tends to utilise a documentary style, combining archival footage, interviews, and scripted sequences to craft compelling narrative structures that mirror the complexities of reality.

Solanas often employed a guerrilla filmmaking aesthetic characterised by handheld camera work and on-location shooting, often in dangerous or politically charged environments. This method allowed him to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of the subjects and settings he explored. For example, in El Exilio de Gardel (Tangos: The Exile of Gardel), he mixes fiction, documentary, and musical elements to tell the story of Argentine expatriates living in Paris, subtly reflecting on themes of displacement and identity amidst political turmoil.

Fernando Solanas (1936 – 2020)

Calculated Films:

  • The Hour of the Furnaces (1968)

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Fernando Solanas’ Top 5 Films Ranked

1. The Hour of the Furnaces (1968)

Genre: Third Cinema, Political Documentary

2. The South (1988)

Genre: Drama, Music, Political Drama, Magical Realism

3. Tango: El Exilio De Gardel (1985)

Genre: Musical, Drama

4. El Viaje (1992)

Genre: Road Movie, Drama, Coming-of-Age, Comedy

5. Social Genocide (2004)

Genre: Political Documentary

Fernando Solanas: Themes and Style

Themes:

  • Socio-political Activism: Solanas’s films frequently critique oppressive political regimes, focusing particularly on the military dictatorship in Argentina. They advocate for social justice, human rights, and democracy.
  • Cultural Identity: Rooted deeply in Argentinian culture, his films explore national identity, often juxtaposing traditional values with the influences of globalisation and external political pressures.
  • Economic Disparity: He portrays the stark contrasts between urban and rural life, the rich and the poor, and critiques the economic policies that exacerbate these divides.
  • Resistance and Hope: Despite often depicting grim realities, Solanas’s films consistently embody a spirit of resistance and hope for a brighter future.

Styles:

  • Documentary & Fiction Fusion: Solanas often blurred the lines between documentary and fiction, blending real-life interviews and footage with scripted narratives.
  • Long Takes: He frequently used extended, uninterrupted shots, allowing scenes to play out in real time and enabling viewers to fully immerse themselves in the depicted reality.
  • Direct Address: Characters occasionally speak directly to the camera, breaking the fourth wall. This technique personalises the narrative, creating an intimate connection between the characters and the audience.
  • Theatricality: Some of his works integrate theatrical elements, using stages and performers, emphasising the performative nature of socio-political life.

Directorial Signature:

  • Political Engagement: Solanas was not just a filmmaker but also a political activist. This deep personal engagement with the issues he portrays is palpable in his films, lending them authenticity and urgency.
  • Commitment to Authenticity: Solanas often worked with non-professional actors, emphasising raw and genuine performances over polished Hollywood-style portrayals.
  • Narrative Complexity: Rather than straightforward narratives, his films often present multifaceted stories, interweaving various characters, timelines, and events. This complexity mirrors the intricate socio-political landscapes he explores.
  • Use of Music: Traditional Argentinian and Latin American music is integral to many of his films, grounding them in their cultural context and enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.

Fernando Solanas – Great Director

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