"DAHLING NICK": WHEN THE ACTOR BECOMES THE FILM ITSELF (A REVIEW)

 

(SPECIAL NOTE: We are reviewing this film for its Cinematic wonder and credits, thus, we are avoiding any impressions or remarks on the film's political color and undertones. For us, the beauty of the film relies on its own "personal touch". Thank you.--- rms.*)

The life of the writer who wrote the Fiction, sometimes, was more colorful than the characters he himself created. And who would know for sure, that, it was also his own personal life, so wonderfully catalputated by the scenery, the visions, and the lingering characters in many of his books. A creator who's Larger Than Life, who's more beautiful and powerful than the men and women who became alive in many of his works.

In the film DAHLING NICK, made a few years ago and is now streaming at Cinema One Original's YouTube channel, a female director saw it all, captured it all, embraced it all. With too much personality, trademarks and style- this Avant Garde kind of a film which lasted for almost 3 hours and took you to Paradise because of its very good attack and version on the life of a National Artist- wow, indeed, you would ask: "Why was this film became so low-key, understated, almost not well-publicized or promoted when it was shown at first?"

We would answer later on: "Perhaps, because of the film's political undertones. Haha."

Anyway, we would like to thank God that the beloved Nick Joaquin's life was made into a film- somewhat semi-documentary in form, but it never destroyed the rhythm and the flow, the story and the texture, the dance and the climax- of a personal film like this one we always had longed for to watch and see.

Personal films always amazed us. It always sounded so eloquent to us. It always fascinated us. And as personal as it could get, we would like to copy some few scenes in the film wherein the "Artist" knelt in front of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We would indeed do that, too, once we see the director of this film in person and face-to-face. And she's no less than Ms. Sari Dalena.

The way she blended the docu details alongside with the words of the friends of Quijano de Manila, perfectly sewing it all together in one remarkable piece of an artistic cloth, the rave words seemed to be far from over.

Technically, the film was also good. So good as it gets. The script was perfectly written. The cinematography of Nap Jamir- fabulous.

All the actors and actresses who participated in this film (which tasted like one rare wine hidden in the wine vault for centuries) were excellent and performed their tasks dutifully and full of angst and lively energy. Especially that of the younger actors that somehow captured totally our "awe". Special mention to Derick Cabido and Kiko Matos. Also to that young actress who appeared in the May Day Eve segment of the film and the child actor who portrayed the role of the Artist's grandson.

Meanwhile, actor-singer Lance Raymundo, who portrayed Ferdinand Marcos, was efficient, convincing, accurate. And Ms. Dindi Gallardo as Imelda Marcos was natural and strong. Maria Isabel Lopez as the witch Anastasia was captivating.

The surrealism effects and vision, the bizarre scenes of a giant snake, the large crab that lingered until the end, and the overwhelming Mystical presence of Ms. Alessandra Rossi as the Lady-, oh, my, was almost like FOREVER.

****** ****** *******

They often say that the main actor who appeared in almost all the scenes of the film, was really the FILM itself. He was the living soul. He was the memory. He was the GRANDEUR of it all.

I never knew, I could ever see one Filipino actor who could really fill-in our innermost desires of passionate Cinematic "hunger & thirst". But this actor offered much more. He was so delicate in his portrayal, yet so handsome. Naughty in a few scenes, dashing in movements and sways, titillating and deep in impressions.

No other actor could greatly execute a hard character like that of the late Mr. Nick Joaquin. But he did it. More than we expected.

RAYMOND BAGATSING, is that actor.

And we would like to embrace him hard and gentle, soft and carefree. Loving and respectful-

FOREVERMORE.

(as written by robert manuguid silverio)

RAYMOND

SARI

NAP

LANCE

MARIBEL

DINDI

KIKO

NICK JOAQUIN WITH HIS BEER, NATIONAL ARTIST