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Bolaño, Up Close and Personal

Bolaño, Up Close and Personal (2008)

Apr 30, 2008 40m Documentary

Generously included as a bonus DVD alongside the 502-page Bolaño salvaje, a book of essays about and reminiscences on the Chilean novelist/poet published by the Barcelona-based Editorial Candy. Bolaño cercano [a difficult to translate title approximating something like Bolaño, Up Close and Personal], which offers up a sympathetic portrait of Bolaño as a loving family man and tireless reader and writer and teases with ever so brief glimpses of his personal library and countless spiral notebooks filled with rough drafts of his novels and poetry and even comic book-like drawings and illustrations.

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Directed by Erik Haasnoot

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Erik Haasnoot
Writer
  • Erik Haasnoot

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Thematic Analysis

Bolaño, Up Close and Personal represents a fascinating example of Documentary 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 Erik Haasnoot 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 2008, 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 Bolaño, Up Close and Personal took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 40 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 74 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 2340 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2008, when this film is released:
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Bolaño, Up Close and Personal 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 Romance of Celluloid, which focuses more on action than character development, Bolaño, Up Close and Personal subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Twenty One Pilots Universe: Welcome to Trench and When Darkness Came: The Making of 'The Mist' explore similar territory, Bolaño, Up Close and Personal stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: April 30, 2008
  • Runtime: 40m