Watch The Fantastic World of Juan Orol

The Fantastic World of Juan Orol is a Mexican biographical comedy-drama movie that follows the life of Juan Orol, a Cuban-born director, and screenwriter who produced about 55 films in Mexico during his 30 years there. The movie, directed by Sebastian del Amo, stars Roberto Sosa as Juan Orol, Juan Manuel Bernal as Rogelio Agrasánchez, and Juan Carlos Bonet as Carlos Orellana.

The story is set in the 1940s, in a time where the Mexican movie industry was thriving, and some filmmakers claimed to be producing artistic gems. Juan Orol, on the other hand, was known for his low-budget productions, often featuring trashy plots, exaggerated performances, and cheap special effects. His movies were commercial successes, but critics and elites dismissed them as vulgar, sleazy, and ridiculous.

The movie begins by introducing us to Orol as a young man in Cuba, struggling to make ends meet. He has a passion for movies and wants to become a director, but he doesn't have the money, the connections, or the talent. However, fate smiles upon him when he saves the life of a wealthy man who rewards him with a scholarship to study film in New York.

There, Orol learns the basics of filmmaking but also discovers his own style, which is a mix of melodramatic storytelling, surreal imagery, and eroticism. He returns to Cuba, where he convinces a local producer to fund his first picture, "La Loca de la Casa," a romantic tale of a madwoman who falls in love with an aspiring boxer. The movie is a surprise hit, and Orol becomes an overnight sensation.

However, his success is short-lived, as he soon discovers that his producer has been embezzling the profits and leaving him with nothing. Orol decides to leave Cuba and try his luck in Mexico, which is known for its booming movie industry and liberal laws. His first encounter with Mexican producers is frustrating, as they reject his proposals for being too weird, too vulgar, or too nonsensical.

However, Orol doesn't give up, and with the help of his loyal assistant, Rogelio, he manages to produce his first Mexican movie, "El Gángster," a crime drama about a gangster who falls in love with a singer. The movie is another hit, and Orol becomes a household name in Mexico. He proceeds to make more movies, each one more bizarre and outrageous than the last one.

The Fantastic World of Juan Orol is an entertaining movie that captures the spirit of Orol's movies and personality. The movie is full of colorful characters, absurd situations, and self-aware humor. Roberto Sosa gives a fantastic performance as Orol, portraying him as a mix of ambition, naivete, and delusion. He is a man who believes in his dreams, even if they are often ridiculed or misunderstood.

Juan Manuel Bernal is also excellent as Rogelio Agrasánchez, Orol's assistant and confidant. Rogelio is the rational counterpoint to Orol's irrationality, a man who tries to make sense of the chaotic world around him. Juan Carlos Bonet plays Carlos Orellana, a rival filmmaker who represents the elite, intellectual class that despises Orol's movies. Orellana is a flamboyant, arrogant figure who sees himself as an artist, but in reality, he is just as much of a showman as Orol.

The movie is also visually stunning, with vibrant colors, imaginative sets, and clever comic timing. The movie captures the essence of Orol's movies, which were a mix of Hollywood glamour and Mexican kitsch. The movie also pays homage to other filmmakers and actors of the time, such as Jorge Negrete, Pedro Infante, and Emilio Fernandez.

In conclusion, The Fantastic World of Juan Orol is a must-see movie for anyone who loves movies, especially B-movies, and their makers. The movie is a celebration of creativity, perseverance, and humor, and a reminder that sometimes the greatest achievements come from the unlikeliest of places. So, if you want to explore the fantastic world of Juan Orol, grab some popcorn, and have a good time.

The Fantastic World of Juan Orol is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.