YOU’RE KILLING ME, SUSANA

Written by Luis Camara and Roberto Sneider

Based on the book by Jose Agustin

Directed by Roberto Sneider

“You’re Killing Me, Susana” (Me, Estas Matando Susana) is based on the book of the same name by Jose Agustin.  The screenplay by Luis Camara is brought to life under the deft direction of Roberto Sneider creating a lively and humorous representation of the differences between men and women and their ever-changing relationships.  Having Gael Garcia Bernal (Eligio) as the lead elevates any film and this is no exception as we are immediately drawn to this character’s boyish narcissism.  Taking everything for granted, including his gorgeous, bright, and talented wife, Susana (Veronica Echegui), Eligio is blindsided when she leaves him.  While the audience doesn’t blame her as we see his antics, Eligio is completely baffled which adds a wonderful comedic charm to the story.  Not willing to surrender his machismo, he searches and finds Susana’s hiding place—Iowa in the winter—following her to win her back.  He might just wind up wishing he had waited till spring.

Watch the trailer here

Bernal is one of those actors that drives you to see a movie just because he is in it.  Following this rule has lead me to see outstanding films such as “Desierto”  and “Neruda” (2016) as well as “No,” a docudrama bringing the Chilean dictator and the rebellion of the people into clear focus.  Bernal is the perfect choice as the charming ladies’ man who is a struggling actor in a Mexican soap opera.  He seems to have never grown up, yet that is his appeal.  His basic disbelief that his wife could possibly not love him anymore is beyond his comprehension and his actions suggest this at every turn in the road.  While his heart is breaking, he is unwilling to acknowledge it and goes to great lengths to win Susana back.

“You’re Killing Me, Susana” is an eloquent amalgam of comedy, drama, and romance creating a beautiful gem of a film.  There are characteristics of the writing that have a Shakespearean flare to them with the well-balanced combination of these genres and the portrayal of the characters.  Seldom do I recall exact lines from a movie, particularly comedic lines, but this film is different.  I won’t spoil the fun for you so you’ll have to see this for yourself.  To create a romantic comedy that is smart and quick witted  is a very unusual thing to see.  Thankfully, intelligent humorous films are still being made, but you have to go south of the border to find it—Mexico.

Echegui’s performance equals Bernal’s performance as she allows any woman to her empathize with her situation.  Her words and her actions, in a woman’s mind, are completely justified.  The subtlety of her performance allows you to feel her continuous draw to Eligio while she is concurrently angry for his male possessiveness and embarrassing outbursts.  While Echegui’s character isn’t the comedian, Bernal inadvertently is by virtue of his character’s flaws and the situations he finds himself.  Bernal is an extremely versatile actor who gives us a robust and simple portrayal of a man in love, motivated by love, yet too immature to appreciate it.

The film takes us to the brutal cold tundra of Iowa as Eligio travels to save his Susana, like a knight in shining armor, except the armor is a bit tarnished and Susana doesn’t want to be saved.  The cinematography beautifully captures the opposing environments of Mexico City and Iowa, compounding the passion of the warmer climate.  The subdued and refined interactions of the students in the writing class, while passionate in their own way, create a less desirable atmosphere as we internally struggle for Susana.  Finding a way to create this outwardly simple, yet complexly layered story takes extraordinary skill and Sneider finds a way to do this without muddying the water.

“You’re Killing Me, Susana” is a masterful creation of what dramatic/romantic comedies should be.  Intelligent writing, skilled direction, and  two exceptionally talented lead actors capture your attention and make you truly care for both of them.  You’re on this journey with them, figuring out their lives and what decisions they should make.  You are a part of this film, completely invested in the outcome while laughing along the way.

“You’re Killing Me, Susana” is playing at the Gene Siskel Film Center beginning February 24th.  For tickets, go to www.siskelfilmcenter.org/yourekillingme