Take My Eyes | Cornerhouse

FILM

Take My Eyes / Te Doy Mis Ojos

Icíar Bollaín
In Spanish
106 mins

Synopsis

Winner of 7 Goyas (Spanish Oscars), Take My Eyes is an emotionally powerful exploration of domestic violence – a story of love, fear, control and power. Pilar (Marull) finally finds the courage to take her young son and leave her abusive husband Antonio (Tosar). For once her resolve holds and she starts a new, independent life. But Antonio wants her back and elicits professional help in his attempts to change. This compelling, very human film seeks to understand what makes women stay in harmful relationships and what forms an abuser. Depicting little physical violence, it reveals the equally devastating effect of emotional abuse.

In association with European Political Cinema course.

Reviews

“A subtle piece that traces the ups and (mostly) downs of a lower-middle-class Spanish couple. The film fuses a fine script and piercing central performances into a provocative piece” Jonathan Holland, Variety

“An exceptionally well told story, finally breaking it’s subject matter free of ‘TV movie’ sensibilities. ****” Empire

“Every sinew of Marull’s extraordinary performance tells you of the fear Pilar carries around each day. The way she looks, holds herself, talks even, is utterly believable and wins our deepest sympathy.” Time Out (London)