Cast
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Eduard Fernández
as Francisco Paesa
Carlos Santos
as Luis Roldán
Jose Coronado
as Jesús Camoes (as Jose Coronado)
Marta Etura
as Nieves Fernández Puerto
Itziar Atienza
as Land stewardess
Christian Stamm
as Hans
Craig Stevenson
as Georges Starckman
Luis Callejo
as Juan Alberto Belloch
Emilio Gutiérrez Caba
as Osorno
Pedro Casablanc
as Lawyer
Philippe Rebbot
as Pinaud
Jimmy Shaw
as Inverter 3
Tomás del Estal
as Bermejo
Alba Galocha
as Beatriz
José Manuel Poga
as Journalist 2
Crew
Director
- Alberto Rodríguez
Writer
- Rafael Cobos
- Alberto Rodríguez
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Smoke & Mirrors represents a fascinating example of History/Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Alberto Rodríguez brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Smoke & Mirrors took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 123 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 69 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Smoke & Mirrors shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Last Emperor, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Smoke & Mirrors offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Paris 2024 Olympic Closing Ceremony and Gandhi explore similar territory, Smoke & Mirrors stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 23, 2016
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Revenue: $2,387,127
