The Lesser Evil (2007 film)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

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.

Plot[edit]

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[edit]

Production[edit]

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

Release[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

References[edit]

  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.