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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Daniel Mourenza Urbina
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This chapter claims that Juan Antonio Bardem’s films Cómicos, Muerte de un ciclista, Calle Mayor, Los inocentes and Nunca pasa nada are all melodramas. I argue that Bardem consciously used the subversive conventions of this genre in order to represent and confront the social and political situation of Francoist Spain. I suggest that the central theme of these films is, as the title of one of his films, ‘nothing ever happens.’ In Bardem’s melodramas, characters are longing for something that never comes true. This does not mean that nothing happens. Indeed, events occur, but the promises for change carried out by these events are always frustrated at the end and everything goes back to normal. As 1950s Hollywood melodramas, these films play out the tensions and contradictions of society. By leaving the problems of these stories irresolute, Bardem stresses the tension between gender roles, classes and even generations. These tensions, far from being relieved with an all-encompassing solution, press for solution in real life.
Author(s): Mourenza D
Editor(s): Elena Oliete, Beatriz Oria & Juan Tarancón
Publication type: Book Chapter
Publication status: Published
Book Title: Global Genres/Local Films: The Transnational Dimension of Spanish Cinema
Year: 2015
Pages: 71-86
Print publication date: 17/12/2015
Acceptance date: 24/06/2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Place Published: London
URL: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/global-genres-local-films-9781501302985/
Library holdings: Search Newcastle University Library for this item
ISBN: 9781501302985
