Little independent films have a freedom that most Hollywood studios shy away from, their plots are more realistic, their story deeper, their themes more rich. The fact that the independent film can be more risky gives the story a life it otherwise wouldn't have. In "Little Ashes" it is 1922, Madrid is wavering on the edge of change as traditional values are being challenged.
It is in the midst of the repression and political unrest of pre-Spanish Civil War, that Salvador Dali (Robert Pattinson) arrives at the School of Fine Arts, here he is one of many talented young men. Dali is only 18 years old but he is determined to become a great artist. He attracts the attention of two of the university's social elite, Federico Garcia Lorca (Javier Beltrán) and Luis Bunel (Matthew McNulty). Salvador quickly becomes a part of their tight little group, the three men go drinking nightly spending hours talking about a revolution that must come to free Spain.
As the group spends their nights together Dali is drawn towards Federico, he is amazed at his willingness to speak out. Federico is blissfully unaware of the the emotions he is stirring in his friend, Magdalena (Marina Gatell). Magdalena invites Federico and Dali to her Aunt's home for a dinner party, the two are not as welcome as she thought they would be. As the days pass and Federico and Dali spend so much time together it is inevitable that their hearts will join together as well. The two form a bond challenged by their fierce ambitions, their friends, the struggle between a love for Spain and a love for each other. Federico and Salvador spend the holiday in the sea-side town of Cadaques. It is here that emotions get the best of the two.
Luis sets off for Paris in search of his own artistic success, he is jealous of just how quickly Dali has become a member of their group and of the success Federico is enjoying. Dali fearing attachment to Federico, decides to go to Paris with Luis. Here the story decides to delve into a steamy unfulfilled love story, it studies the life of Dali as the man, just slightly touching on the man as an artist. His work was just as important as his life was, Dali became one of the greatest painters in the history of art. Little is told of what happens to Luis, Magdalena or any of the other friends, as the movie progresses, we see what happens to Federico, it is almost inevitable, he has made a marked man out of himself. Federico was the only one who talked of a needed revolution that made any attempt to bring one.
The story starts and stops at every turn, we see a beginning of a story arc then the story jumps to another arc. We see a relationship start, sputter and fall apart. It was said that Dali refused to speak of his days in University, until near the time of his death. Then he spoke fondly of Federico and the passion he ignited in him. It is sad to say that this movie needed a revolution in and of itself, viewers will feel disappointed and let down, the love scenes between Dali and Federico are slow to come and over quickly, they actually never get past the petting stage. The movie is centered on this story arc and never develops it. Dali tries to lure Federico to America with him and his wife, this comes late in the movie and is almost sad to watch. Dali is so confused about his feelings, that he wants to be with Federico, but also with his wife. Federico a marked man himself, plans to go home to see his family and this is a well known fact. Dali rightfully fears for Federico's safety. The ending comes as the world finds out what happened to Federico, his friends sit and mourn the lose of such a man, his friendship, his boldness and his talent.
I give Little Ashes a 1 and on my avoidance scale a 1 as well, this movie you may want to wait and see at home, when you have time to just sit around. The movie hits on several of the more important aspects of the life of Dali, but it misses by just skimming the surface of the emotions that such a time stirs in a persons soul. The movie disappoints at almost every turn, the pace is slow the story never develops and unfortunately, most people who want to see Robert Pattinson in this movie will walk away shaking their heads.
Little Ashes is rated R for Sexual Content, Language and a Brief Disturbing Image
Running time is 1 hr. 42 mins.
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