If youve picked up a film magazine in the past few months, youll undoubtedly have heard about Carlos, an ambitious biopic of the infamous Venezuelan terrorist. Initially conceived as a 90-minute piece, this French-German production eventually ended up as a meaty five and a half hour long three-part mini-series, with a streamlined three hour scraping version following soon after. After a debut on native soil earlier this year, including a celebrated showcase at Cannes, both versions find themselves released separately on DVD this month (the Blu-ray version meanwhile, includes both versions).
Charting his early ventures into terrorism and initiation into the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Carlos follows the tribulations of its titular subject up until his eventual arrest in Sudan in the early 90s. Despite a whopping three hours difference in running time, both versions make plenty of time to explore and engage with Carlos (born Ilich Ramirez Sanchez), offering a probing account of his dangerous dealings and the cocky charisma at his centre.
Its no surprise Carlos has drawn comparisons to many successful modern biopics, including some of Martin Scorceses most memorable efforts and these flattering associations are entirely deserved. Co-creator, writer and director Olivier Assayas helps craft an immersive experience, one peppered with enthralling sequences and executed with expert finesse.
Countless scenes that could have faltered under the watch of less skilled directors crackle with adrenalin and are consistently engaging here. Even later on in the film, during a particularly lengthy sequence, its impossible not to be enthralled by every line of dialogue and well judged shot. The abridged theatrical version might appear an intimidating slice of cinema to start with, but thanks to the energetic heartbeat and confident direction pulsing throughout each and every sequence, the eventual credits come all too soon.
Édgar Ramírez shines as Carlos, turning in a star-maker of a performance thatll no doubt earn him more than a few accolades come awards season. No stranger to the biopic, having turned in a memorable performance in the two-part Che a couple of years back, Ramírez handles a difficult role expertly.
The daunting complexity of Carlos is handled seemingly effortlessly. Ramírez combines the revolutionarys unsavoury arrogance with endearing ideology and entangles unwavering confidence with hole ridden contradictions. Ramírez also goes all out when it comes to his outward portrayal; toning up for Carlos earlier years as the svelte, attractive charmer and gaining flab for the terrorists paunchier later life.
Special mention must also go to some of the finest production design of recent years. Despite a relatively modest budget, Carlos paints an immersive and utterly convincing portrait of whatever era it occupies, whether its charting Carlos first forays into terrorism in the 70s or his portly final days of freedom in the early 90s. The level to detail is eye-popping, making for one of many perfect strands to this thoroughly enjoyable and consistently enthralling biopic.
Overall Verdict: Enthralling in both forms, Carlos hits high notes on all counts and sets a new benchmark for biopics whatever the medium.
Special Features:
Making Of
Interview with Édgar Ramírez
Reviewer: David Steele