MovieChat Forums > Vengo (2000) Discussion > changing the meaning of rain?

changing the meaning of rain?


Well, although it seems this message board is far from over-used, I was hoping that some of you filmfanatics could tell me if you agree on this:

In most films rain is used to express negative sentiments or at least to give a dramatic touch to a certain scene. Do you feel that Vengo tries to turn the wheel of this view by 180 degrees?

During the whole film, as Caco is trying to more or less 'solve' the existing problem (he is not really solving it: he is trying to escape it by hiding in partying and drinking -which is clearly expressed when he says: "let's talk about something else...") there are several hints to the weather. Soon it will rain, what will be good for the earth.

When the rain finally comes, it comes with Caco's death. As the rain is good for the land, Caco's death is good for all he tried to stand up for. So both the rain and Caco's death serve the wellbeing of all around.

It would be funny if this is Gatlif's idea as the andalusian people ALWAYS talk about the weather. (and in my experience they actually always deny the late rain, coming up with frases as the water will be good for the earth as it never rains...) :-)




La mar dará a cada uno una nueva esperanza. Como el dormir le da sueños...

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I'm going to quote a posting on the Tony Gatlif board. I really like this guy's analysis of Vengo, in the link at the end! He covers the rain and a lot more.

""Vengo" explores the continuity and multi-faceted influence of the Roma and North African cultures in Andalusia through a narrative structure that employs similar patterns of continuity and duality. Gatlif's multi-layered exploration of regions and cultures marked by the sirocco is guided by a brilliantly coded series of symbols and alter-narratives that are woven together by recurring symbols such as wind, water, music, circle dance and light, among several others. Thus the film's most prominent symbols are the very elements/features that link the seemingly separate lands and traditions of Spain, North Africa and India.

To read more, please go to the following webpage: http://www.lenguamente.com/news4.php";

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Old55, thank you for posting the link. Very interesting article; I learned a lot about this great film, the culture it represents and and Gatlif's vision.


"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."
Oscar Wilde

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Rain is often placed in a film to simulate ant piss. Ask a sailor.

Nothing is more beautiful than nothing.

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