2007 Spanish film
| The Lesser Evil | |
|---|---|
_poster.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Spanish | El menor de los males |
| Directed by | Antonio Hernández |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Javier Salmones |
| Edited by | Jorge Coira |
| Music by | Pablo Martín-Caminero |
| Production company | Voz Audiovisual |
| Distributed by | Filmax |
| Release dates |
|
| Country | Spain |
| Language | Spanish |
The Lesser Evil (Spanish: El menor de los males) is a 2007 Spanish black comedy thriller film directed by Antonio Hernández which stars Carmen Maura, Roberto Álvarez, and Verónica Echegui.
Plot
Right-wing politician Eduardo is staying in his sister's mansion in Galicia with personal secretary Ruth and bodyguards. Upon his affair with red-hot Vanesa, Eduardo suspects he is about to become blackmailed by his lover, who claims to be pregnant.
Cast
- Carmen Maura as Julia
- Roberto Álvarez [es] as Eduardo
- Verónica Echegui as Vanesa
- Marta Belenguer [es] as Ruth
- Antonio Durán Morris as Hugo
- Xabier Deive [gl] as Rodero
- César Cambeiro [es]
- Berta Ojea [es]
Production
The film is a Voz Audiovisual production. It was fully shot in Pontemaceira, province of A Coruña.
Release
The film premiered at the 10th Málaga Film Festival on 10 March 2007. Distributed by Filmax, it was released theatrically in Spain on 14 March 2008.
Reception
Fernando Méndez-Leite of Fotogramas rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, citing a well-supported Álvarez as the best thing about the film.
Jonathan Holland of Variety deemed the film (and "engaging riff on the ruthlessness of power as embodied in an ambitious politician") to be a decent shot at satire.
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 10th Málaga Film Festival | Best Screenplay | Antonio Galeano, Antonio Hernández | Won | |
| Best Supporting Actress | Verónica Echegui | Won | |||
| Best Costume Design | Ruth Díaz | Won | |||
| 2009 | 7th Mestre Mateo Awards | Best Actress | Carmen Maura | Nominated | |
| Best Editing | Jorge Coira | Won | |||
| Best Sound | Carlos Mouriño | Nominated |
See also
References
- "Pontemaceira (A Coruña) acoge hasta final de septiembre el rodaje del "oscuro e intrigante" film 'El menor de los males'". Europa Press. 22 August 2006.
- ^ Holland, Jonathan (21 March 2007). "The Lesser Evil". Variety.
- ^ López, María Dolores (9 May 2008). "«El menor de los males», en cartelera en once localidades". La Voz de Galicia.
- "Carmen Maura es homenajeada por toda su carrera en el Festival de Cine de Málaga". El Mundo. 11 March 2007.
- ^ Méndez-Leite, Fernando (29 May 2008). "El menor de los males". Fotogramas.
- "'Bajo las estrellas', ganadora del X Festival de Cine Español de Málaga". Diario Sur. Grupo Vocento. 17 March 2007.
- "A Academia Galega do Audiovisual desvela os finalistas da VII Edición dos Premios Mestre Mateo". Academia Galega do Audiovisual. 12 March 2009.
- "Gañadores dos Premios Mestre Mateo". Academia Galega do Audiovisual. 30 April 2009.