Once again, here we are in the realm of those wonderfully eccentric Argentinian filmmakers: Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat. They’ve captivated me before with their dark humor and expert characterizations in TV shows like “El Encargado” (The Boss) and “Nada” (Nothing). I simply fell in love with their work then, and now, after delving into their 2016 film, “El Cuidadano Ilustre” (The Distinguished Citizen), I’m happy to report that my admiration for them remains steadfast, if not grown stronger.
In “The Distinguished Citizen,” we’re taken on a journey following a Nobel Prize-winning Argentinian author returning to his small hometown after 40 years. As the sophisticated and enigmatic writer inevitably clashes with the narrow-minded locals, we’re given the opportunity to reflect on themes such as identity, origins, art, and fame. Ultimately, the film reinforces the age-old adage that “no one can be a prophet in their own land.”
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