Tetro

"Tetro"
Starring: Vincent Gallo, Alden Enrenreich, Maribel Verdu,

Francis Ford Coppola's "Tetro" is a nice return to form for the 71 year old director, whose last film, "Youth Without Youth" was dismissed by most critics. "Tetro" combines melodrama, family secrets, confessions, sibling rivalry, sins of the father, and many other themes into it's 127 run-time. Coppola, has gone back to his UCLA roots to write this original work which indicates more than a personal account for him.

The film centers on two brothers,  Bennie, played by the charismatic and boyish Alden Enrenreich, a near twin to Leonardo Dicaprio, and Tetro played by Vincent Gallo. The film starts as Bennie flees to Buenos Aires to seek out his long lost brother who he hasn't seen in years. Bennie arrives at Tetro's door seeking answers to his brothers present and past. Tetro lives with his wife Miranda (Verdu) whom takes an immediate innocent liking to Bennie; Tetro disapproves of Bennie's visit altogether as Bennie starts asking questions.

"Tetro" is shot in beautiful black and white, which adds to the mystery and puzzle of the film. It's a straightforward narrative, with revealing flashbacks sprinkled throughout to shed light on Tetro's past. The brothers don't have much in common, except they like unnerving each other, especially Bennie, whom turns Tetro's life upside down with his arrival in Buenos Aires. Coppola gets to the bare roots of family betrayal, tragedy, and melodrama, but takes his time telling this familiar yet textured story.

The story of the two brother derives from a fractured lineage, much of which is unknown to the innocent Bennie. Gallo portrays Tetro with tortured eyes and a broken soul, but it's hard for the viewer to sometimes sympathize with his cold nature. But, it's Enrenreich who is the stand out here. His natural looks combined with his acting talent mark him as an actor to look out for. His Bennie would not exist without Tetro, and vise versa. They're two souls marked by past digressions, can they escape and land on higher ground? This is what Coppola asks throughout.

Coppola also enjoys the idea of life imitating art, this is perhaps the underlying theme of "Tetro," which feels like Coppola's most autobiographical work. It's a true return for him, and we're happy to have him back making honest and heartfelt material.