In 1970 Salvador Allende took over Chile as its first socialist president. Leading up to his rule, turmoil flooded the South American country–but with a new leader running the country, things became increasingly more tolerable–even enjoyable. The First Year, a documentary by Patricio Guzmán, travels the country in the twelve months following this change, highlighting all that came as a result of Allende’s time in office.
The narration is dull, and I can’t fully understand why Guzman chooses to present information in this way. The First Year discusses, at great length, the positive transition in Chile–but the tone of the narrator’s voice, and ultimately the tone of the film is far different. Everything is presented to viewers in a matter-of-fact fashion, void of emotion, creating a disconnect between content and viewer. I suppose to some degree that expressing everything as fact rather than factoring emotion into it is a fair way of ensuring that viewers understand what’s taking place–but I wish there was more; I wish that there was a way for Guzmán to more effectively reach out to his viewers. The First Year tends to be void of emotion, and it makes it challenging as a viewer to appreciate the content of the film when emotion is completely avoided.
There are some moments here and there that allow viewers to understand that something good has happened, but those are few and far between. The narration never lends itself to creating a connection with viewers, but occasionally viewers see a celebration, a parade, or something else that allows us to understand exactly how the Chileans are feeling. The First Year, every once in a while, extends itself in the direction of emotion, but Guzmán doesn’t appear too worried about appealing to his viewers in this way.
The First Year ends on a somber note, one where gunshots can be heard, and Chilean residents can be seen running from danger. This is honestly the most emotionally driven part of the entire film, but it’s not at all a reflection of the first hour-and-twenty minutes. While it’s certainly not out of place, because it’s part of the journey, it’s odd to me that Guzmán chose this as the moment to intensify the film, to strengthen the emotion, and to finally reach out to his viewers. By the end of The First Year the thing that I remember the most is the heavy, dark feeling that existed at the film’s conclusion.
I find it incredibly interesting, however, that Guzmán is able to travel what feels like the entirety of Chile and obtain the points of view of people from all walks of life. While the emotion doesn’t often come through, it’s nice to see an array of perspectives, a series of different points of view that ultimately allow viewers to understand what is taking place throughout. The First Year is inclusive, and it allows viewers from all over to appreciate the film’s content–even if there is a disconnect in regard to the emotional aspect of it all.
The First Year is a struggle to get through as a result of it never diving into the emotional aspect of this story (I know, I’ve mentioned this a lot–but I’m frustrated). Guzmán doesn’t seem to care about that portion of this story, as if just facts are enough to drive the film forward, and it took a lot of effort to remain present as the film moved forward. Sure, the content is interesting, and it has a place in cinema–but The First Year desperately needed to reach its viewers on a level other than one that’s simply factual. Due to the fact that it never effectively extends itself, The First Year ultimately feels like a bust.
Written & Directed by Patricio Guzmán.
Starring Françoise Arnoul, François Périer, George Riquier, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
Comments