The Lesser Evil (2007 film)

The Lesser Evil (Spanish: El menor de los males) is a 2007 Spanish black comedy thriller film directed by Antonio Hernández which stars Carmen Maura, Roberto Álvarez, and Verónica Echegui.

The Lesser Evil
Theatrical release poster
SpanishEl menor de los males
Directed byAntonio Hernández
Screenplay by
  • Antonio Galeano
  • Antonio Hernández
Starring
CinematographyJavier Salmones
Edited byJorge Coira
Music byPablo Martín-Caminero
Production
company
Voz Audiovisual
Distributed byFilmax
Release dates
  • 11 March 2007 (2007-03-11) (Málaga)
  • 14 March 2008 (2008-03-14) (Spain)
CountrySpain
LanguageSpanish

Plot

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Right-wing politician Eduardo is staying in his sister's mansion in Galicia with personal secretary Ruth and bodyguards. Upon his affair with red-hot Vanesa, Eduardo suspects he is about to become blackmailed by his lover, who claims to be pregnant.[1][2]

Cast

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Production

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The film is a Voz Audiovisual production.[3] It was fully shot in Pontemaceira, province of A Coruña.[3]

Release

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The film premiered at the 10th Málaga Film Festival on 10 March 2007.[4] Distributed by Filmax,[3] it was released theatrically in Spain on 14 March 2008.[5]

Reception

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Fernando Méndez-Leite of Fotogramas rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, citing a well-supported Álvarez as the best thing about the film.[5]

Jonathan Holland of Variety deemed the film (and "engaging riff on the ruthlessness of power as embodied in an ambitious politician") to be a decent shot at satire.[2]

Accolades

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Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2007 10th Málaga Film Festival Best Screenplay Antonio Galeano, Antonio Hernández Won [6]
Best Supporting Actress Verónica Echegui Won
Best Costume Design Ruth Díaz Won
2009 7th Mestre Mateo Awards Best Actress Carmen Maura Nominated [7][8]
Best Editing Jorge Coira Won
Best Sound Carlos Mouriño Nominated

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Pontemaceira (A Coruña) acoge hasta final de septiembre el rodaje del "oscuro e intrigante" film 'El menor de los males'". Europa Press. 22 August 2006.
  2. ^ a b c d e Holland, Jonathan (21 March 2007). "The Lesser Evil". Variety.
  3. ^ a b c d e f López, María Dolores (9 May 2008). "«El menor de los males», en cartelera en once localidades". La Voz de Galicia.
  4. ^ "Carmen Maura es homenajeada por toda su carrera en el Festival de Cine de Málaga". El Mundo. 11 March 2007.
  5. ^ a b Méndez-Leite, Fernando (29 May 2008). "El menor de los males". Fotogramas.
  6. ^ "'Bajo las estrellas', ganadora del X Festival de Cine Español de Málaga". Diario Sur. Grupo Vocento. 17 March 2007.
  7. ^ "A Academia Galega do Audiovisual desvela os finalistas da VII Edición dos Premios Mestre Mateo". Academia Galega do Audiovisual. 12 March 2009.
  8. ^ "Gañadores dos Premios Mestre Mateo". Academia Galega do Audiovisual. 30 April 2009.