Watch The Films of Roberto Perez Toledo
- 2015
- 1 Season
The Films of Roberto Perez Toledo is a retrospective of the work of Spanish filmmaker Roberto Perez Toledo. This series, available on the streaming platform Dekkoo, takes viewers on a journey through his early shorts all the way to his most recent feature film. Perez Toledo's work is known for its raw and emotional storytelling, unique visual style, and exploration of queer themes. Each of his films holds a special place in the LGBTQ film canon, and this series provides an opportunity to see them all in one place.
The series includes his early films, such as Amanece que no es poco (Dawn Breaks, Which Is Not Little), which explores small-town life in the Spanish countryside. The film is a witty satire of Spanish society, poking fun at the provincialism of rural life. This film, like many of Perez Toledo's works, is a mix of humor and tragedy, and is a great example of his ability to tell complex stories with a light touch.
The series also includes La Casa del Loro (Parrot House), which is the first short film Perez Toledo directed after coming out as gay. The film explores a complicated relationship between two men, and it marks one of Perez Toledo's first explorations of LGBTQ themes on film.
El DÃa de la Madre (Mother's Day) is another early film in Perez Toledo's oeuvre that clearly demonstrates his ability to tell emotionally charged stories. In this short, a mother and son struggle to connect on the mother's final day before she dies of cancer. The film is heartbreaking, but also beautiful and cathartic.
As the series progresses, viewers get a chance to see how Perez Toledo's style evolved and matured over time. His feature-length film, Como la Espuma (Like Foam) is a particular standout in the series. The film is a sex comedy that takes place in a high-end hotel, and it's a testament to Perez Toledo's ability to balance humor with more serious themes. The film explores issues of identity and acceptance, and it's anchored by a fantastic ensemble cast.
Other notable films in the series include Grooming, a short that explores the darker side of grooming in the gay community, and Empanadillas de Mostoles (Mostoles' Meat Pie), which follows the lives of five friends over the course of a single day.
Throughout the series, there are several recurring themes that are central to Perez Toledo's work. These include the exploration of queer identity and desire, commentary on Spanish culture and society, and a deep empathy for his characters. His films often feature complex, flawed characters that struggle with issues of acceptance and belonging, and he has a real gift for creating stories that are both emotionally resonant and entertaining.
The Films of Roberto Perez Toledo is a must-watch for fans of his work, as well as anyone interested in LGBTQ cinema. The series provides a comprehensive overview of his career, and it's a testament to the impact he's had on the Spanish film industry. The series is also a reminder of the power of queer cinema to tell stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.