The Aura (2005)

O An excellent must-see
O Good rental choice
X Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / April 10, 2007

“The Aura” takes the expression “getting away with murder” to a whole new level and is reminiscent of “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999).

I would have rated “The Aura” as a “Good rental choice” if it weren’t so slow. It’s a decent movie — don’t get me wrong — but this Argentine film takes its time, careful not to rush. Slow pacing isn’t always a bad thing, but it can be taxing for those accustomed to American cinema’s frequent attention-getting assaults.

This is the story of an odd man, a taxidermist who fantasizes about executing the perfect robbery. Esteban Espinosa (Ricardo Darin) is also an epileptic whose seizures come upon him at the most inopportune times.

Even though he has an aversion to killing animals, the taxidermist’s friend persuades him to tag along for a hunting trip. When Esteban is involved in a hunting accident, he stumbles into happy but dangerous circumstances that enable him to indulge in his criminal cravings, much like Matt Damon’s Tom Ripley character.

“The Aura” has Spanish dialogue with English subtitles. The editing for this version is well done, but there are a couple of shootings depicted that would not be appropriate for younger viewers.

Directed by Fabian Bielinsky
Ricardo Darin / Dolores Fonzi / Nahuel Perez Biscayart
134 min. Crime / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: not rated)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up

DVD release date: April 10, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0074 : 198