How wonderful it is when the first lines of dialogue in a movie puts a smile on your face, while suggesting that its tone is the kind you’ll be glad you experienced.

New comedy/drama, Official Competition, which stars Penélope Cruz, Antonio Banderas and Oscar Martínez, is one such film, thanks to its delightful absurdity and amusing ridiculousness.

Directed by Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat, the fun starts just before wealthy businessman Humberto Suárez decides to hire a famous movie director to shoot a smash hit film. And why not? After all, what else is there, following one’s high-profile business success and noteworthy philanthropy?

You probably already agree that a super-inflated ego in action is one of the most amusing things to witness. And this tends to be true whether you are laughing aloud or stifling laughter for fear of repercussions. Official Competition, a comedy about filmmaking, permits you to laugh at the art of making movies. Especially the peculiarities of the processes, plus the creative and the less creative individuals involved. 

The few slightly slower moments aside, I had a good time watching Cohn and Duprat’s film. The highly skilled cast is a delight to watch. I especially enjoyed everything José Luis Gómez, who plays wealthy businessman Humberto Suárez does on screen. So much so that I selfishly wish that he appeared in the movie more frequently.

Watch Official Competition if you’re curious, and certainly for the fun, well-written movie-making ridiculousness. 

Now, please excuse me while I go and rewatch the opening scene, my favourite!

Happy Film Loving,

G