© by Jane Freebury
Of all the titles to choose for a film about a man facing his
premature demise, Truman takes its
name from a saggy, baggy old boxer dog in need of a good home. A vague
connection with former American presidents or celebrity writers is no guide to
what we find within, though breaking the name down into its components gives a
sense of what the film is on about.
As a companion for Julian (Ricardo Darin), Truman has been as
faithful, steady and reliable as a pet could be during his master's closing
act. In truth, the dog doesn’t seem long for this world either. Julian's cousin
Paula (Dolores Fonzi), Julian’s closest family in Madrid, is fond and caring
but seems rather duty-bound to her irascible and difficult relative, a theatre
actor who arrived from Argentina long ago, and never returned home.
When Tomas (Javier Camara) flies in from Canada on a
surprise four-day visit, Truman has to play second fiddle while the two old
friends get out and about. There’s an appointment with Julian's doctor, a visit
to the vet, some research at a bookshop, a visit to the funeral parlour, but
there are diverting outings too. All the while, the tone is kept light, as
Julian remains stoic, ironic and emotionally honest.
Slowly - slyly? - the film reveals the facts. That Julian is
terminally ill with cancer, that he is a working stage actor still (he says he
wasn’t any good on screen), that he remains on excellent terms with his former
wife, and that he perhaps hasn't a lot to show for his life except a string of
affairs and a middling career. It's not that writer-director Cesc Gay makes a
fetish of withholding important information, it's just that there is only so
much we need to know at any one time. It’s up to us to keep up.
Tomas has flown in from Canada on a mission, but as soon as
he sees his old friend he knows that it is futile. Julian has decided he won't
continue chemotherapy. His sole remaining goal in life is to find Truman a
suitable home.
What really matters is the two blokes in frame and in close
up, and their friendship in hard times. Darin and Camara are both superb. In
one particular scene, they ask what they have learned from each other. Apart
from the illegal things, courage, says Tomas. Generosity, says Julian. Yes,
we’ve noted that Tomas pays all the bills.
Julian has a knack for drawing Tomas out, encouraging him to
recognize his feelings. Perhaps this accounts for the jarring moment when Tomas
and Paula sleep together. Or is it to show the paradox of the loyal friend who can
also be the faithless husband?
In 2013, I found Gay's comedy of gender relations, A Gun in Each Hand an initially promising
but frustrating experience. It also featured Darin and Camara. This time, Gay has
absolutely nailed it with Truman, a deeply
satisfying mature drama liberally sprinkled with humour, wit, warmth and
insight.
4 Stars
Also published at www.janefreeburywriter.com.au
