Sep. 13, 2013|Mexico|97 Min.|n/A
Genre: Adult;Drama
Description: “Deseo” (2013) tells a series of eight interconnected short stories centered around seduction and forbidden encounters, set in the vibrant atmosphere of a colonial Mexican city. These stories, filled with humor and eroticism, explore relationships among archetypal characters representing different social classes in Mexico. The narrative reveals how sexual desire, hindered by class, status, and racial prejudices, rarely evolves into love—though there’s always a possibility for someone to transcend these barriers and reach a deeper emotional connection.
The film is inspired by Arthur Schnitzler’s controversial play “Reigen” (1897), which caused significant scandal in 20th-century European theater. Similar to David Hare’s adaptation “The Blue Room,” staged in London’s West End, “Deseo” critiques the decadence of the aristocracy and mirrors the societal issues of 19th-century Vienna in contemporary Mexico.
Through a circular structure, the film humorously and tragically portrays the cycle of desire, power, seduction, and disillusionment across all levels of society. While Schnitzler’s play famously hinted at the “merciless mechanism of sex” without explicit depiction, “Deseo” embraces a more sensual and visually alluring approach. Beneath its erotic surface, the film delves into darker, more tragic human yearnings.
Director Zavala Kugler masterfully weaves the stories together, enhanced by a mesmerizing musical score that complements the narrative. The cast, composed of Mexico’s finest performers, delivers exceptional acting, making “Deseo” a standout in contemporary Mexican cinema.
Cast director: Antonio Zavala Kugler
Cast actor: Edith González, Christian Bach, Paola Nuñez, Paulina Gaitán, Leonor Varela, Lila Downs, Pedro Damián, Gerardo Taracena, Ari Borovoy, Geraldine Zinat
Original name: Deseo