The Poetry of LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED

Posted on October 11, 2014

The lovely Natalia De Molina won Goya Best New Actress as Belen. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

Written by

Jude Bautista

“On the white path the trunks of frustrate trees show black, on the distant mountains there is gold and blood. The sun dies . . . What do you seek, poet, in the sunset?” Antonio (Javier Camara) was quoting the poetry of Antonio Machado to Belen (Natalia De Molina). Antonio is an elementary school teacher; Belen is a young woman trying to escape her old life, Juanjo (Francesc Colomer) also had to runaway from home. The three of them form an unlikely friendship on their way to a remote town in Andalucia, Spain called Almeria.

Official Spanish entry to the Oscars VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas. Filmgoers who vote for the Audience Choice award can get the chance to win a round trip ticket to Spain courtesy of Qatar Airways.

Javier Camara won a Goya Best Actor nod for his portrayal of Antonio. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

The real inspiration for Antonio, played by actor Javier Camara, is THE BEATLES. By 1966 he was one of many people obsessed with what is considered to be the ‘GREATEST rock band of all time’. He teaches English to grade-schoolers by reading lyrics of HELP. The story was loosely based on the experiences of real life teacher Juan Carrion Gañan. It is also Spain’s official entry for the Oscars.

3rd and 2nd from right H.E. Amb Luis A. Calvo Castaño and Mdme Maria José Carrasco from left: FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos, David Trueba, Art Acuña and Inst Cervantes Dir. Dr. Carlos Madrid. The PELICULA Spanish film festival will run from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

In 1966 John Lennon starred in a WWII film shot in Almeria, Spain called HOW I WON THE WAR. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

The title of the film is taken from the first line of STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER that was actually written by John Lennon during his stay in Almeria. Although he did write the song there, which had their own strawberry farms/fields, the song was inspired by an actual place behind Lennon’s aunt’s house in Liverpool called Strawberry Fields. Perhaps the strawberry fields in Almeria reminded him of that more innocent and carefree time in his life, hence the song. Lennon was in Andalucia, Spain to act in a film called HOW I WON THE WAR. The obsessed schoolteacher in Antonio had to try and interview the legendary Beatle.

from left: Natalia De Molina (Belen) Francesc Colomer (Juanjo), Director David Trueba and Javier Camara (Antonio). VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

On his way, he gives a car ride to Belen and Juanjo. The young, dark haired Natalia De Molina plays Belen. The role has won her a GOYA and CINEMA WRITERS CIRCLE AWARDS Best New Actress. To us Pinoys she’s very similar to Jasmine Curtis Smith. She has a sweet face that melts the toughest male hearts. She is trying to escape a failed romance, having a need to go away even to the remote town of Almeria. There’s a palpable sexual tension the first time she meets Antonio, even Juanjo. Both of them are too kind at heart to take advantage of this young lady on the run. The film does take an erotic turn when Belen has too much to drink and decides to take matters in her own hands, literally.

The HOT Natalia De Molina won Goya Best New Actress as Belen. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

Spain in 1966 was under the authoritarian Francisco Franco Regime, which had been in power for 26 years by then. Franco himself described his government as totalitarian. His rightwing, conservative thinking pervaded the whole country and culture. This made the older, conservative generation at odds with the youth, free thinkers and psychedelic hippie counter culture.

Dictator Francisco Franco’s name on side of a hill- conservatism pervaded Spanish Culture during his reign. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

Director David Trueba explained, “Social regimes are always transposed to family and other relationships. In the end the regime you’re living justifies the rapport between people. So we used to live in a repressive country the relationship in the family, the couple in the school it’s going to be repressive. If you live in a different environment it’s going to be a different thing. My idea was society was fighting against the regime even before the politics.”

Goya Best Director David Trueba. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

from left: Francesc Colomer (Juanjo), Javier Camara (Antonio) and Natalia De Molina (Belen). VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

That’s what happened to each of the 3 main characters in their own way. Antonio imbibes the BEATLES values of peace and love to his students. His insistence on education and devotion to knowledge is often at odds with the many poor people just trying to survive. Juanjo played by Francesc Colomer is in conflict with his domineering and yes conservative father (Jorge Sanz) who is also a cop. Belen is battling conservatism within her own family and represents the struggle of women’s rights that we take for granted today.

cast from left: Jorge Sanz (Padre), Francesc Colomer (Juanjo), Javier Camara (Antonio), Natalia De Molina (Belen) and Ramon Fontserè (Ramon). VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

This role has earned Javier Camara a GOYA Best Actor award. He is also one of the more popular actors in Spain. He is likewise the lead in LA VIDA INESPERADA (THE UNEXPECTED LIFE) also part of the Pelicula film fest. ‘LA VIDA… is more of a comedy set in New York about an off, off, off Broadway performer welcoming his cousin from Spain for an extended stay. Hardly leading man material in terms of looks with his baldhead and potbelly, he easily charms audiences with his wit and humor. For Filipino fans, Camara has a resemblance with long time theater stalwart Miguel Faustmann (without hair). Both Miguel and Jasmine Curtis-Smith are currently starring in BONIFACIO ANG UNANG PANGULO opposite Robin Padilla in this year’s MMFF.

Javier Camara (Antonio) climbs his car to get a glimpse of John Lennon. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

Desert-like landscape on the way to Almeria. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

Almeria is on the southernmost coast of Spain. Cinematographer Daniel Villar proves he is a visual poet who captured the breath taking and changing landscapes. Getting there is almost dry, desert-like. The constant sunshine, tumbleweeds, reminds one of a Spanish colony-Mexico, hence the similarities in architecture and language. The stark blue of the Mediterranean soothes their senses after a long car trip through dry hilly country. Down the coast are the cities of Malaga and Marbella and further south is the Strait of Gibraltar. Watching a film takes you there, who knows you may actually win a flight to Madre España as well?

from left: FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos, David Trueba, Inst Cervantes Dir. Dr. Carlos Madrid and FDCP Exec Dir Teddy Granados. The PELICULA Spanish film festival will run from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

Presented by Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Greenbelt and Ayala Cinemas, PELÍCULA is made possible by Emperador Distillers, Vibal Foundation, Qatar Airways, in collaboration with the Embassy of Mexico, Instituto Etxepare, Ayala Museum, Alba’s Restaurante Español, New World Hotel and Espa-Fil.

Emperador DE LUXE was made from vineyards in Spain. It is also the official drink of the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

For the schedule, line-up of films and further information on the Festival please visit the official website of Instituto Cervantes (www.manila.cervantes.es) or log on to its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila

Francesc Colomer (Juanjo) and Natalia De Molina (Belen). VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

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Clarisse Lukban and Cinema One Head Ronald Arguelles. The PELICULA Spanish film festival will run from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

Javier Camara (Antonio) finally gets to the set of HOW I WON THE WAR. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

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Francesc Colomer (Juanjo) and family. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

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Javier Camara (Antonio) and passengers push his car. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

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from left: Director David Trueba describes shot to Javier Camara (Antonio). VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

The set of VIVIR ES FACIL… recreating the set of HOW I WON THE WAR. VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

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from left: Ramon Fontserè (Ramon) & Javier Camara (Antonio). VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.

from left: Claire Agbayani, Adrian Lontoc, Ronnie Lazaro and FDCP Media officer Quintin Cu Unjieng. The PELICULA Spanish film festival will run from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Natalia De Molina (Belen), Javier Camara (Antonio) and Francesc Colomer (Juanjo). VIVIR ES FACIL CON LOS OJOS CERRADOS (LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED) is one of many films in the PELICULA Spanish film festival running from October 9-19, 2014 at the Greenbelt Cinemas.