It feels like just yesterday that the world was introduced to Fausto, a Mexican film released in 2018, which gripped its audience through its unique narrative and imaginative visuals. Directed by the audacious Andrea Bussmann, Fausto weaves the mythical and the mundane into a tight tapestry of storytelling that leaves viewers both mystified and enchanted. Shot amidst the striking backdrop of Oaxaca, Mexico, this film is not your typical evening flick: it poses questions and offers a surreal exploration of the human experience.
The premise of Fausto draws inspiration from legends and folklore, reimagining them into new stories that play out in everyday life. It’s a docu-fiction hybrid that doesn’t shy away from blurring lines between reality and imagination. Andrea Bussmann, the mastermind behind this cinematic piece, beautifully portrays the fluidity of storytelling, showing audiences how stories shape our perception of the world around us. Shot predominantly in infrared, the visuals offer a haunting, dreamlike quality that enhances the mystical elements of the narrative.
Fausto is both a visual and emotional feast for its audiences. It often pivots from storytelling conventions, leaving viewers in a state that mirrors the feeling of wandering through a dream. The film’s use of infrared photography not only distinguishes it stylistically but also elevates the viewer's immersion in its fantastical elements. This choice reflects the themes of the film, as the unseen becomes visible, adding layers and depth to the stories being told.
Despite the breathtaking artistry of Fausto, it can feel rather abstract and maybe even confounding to those who favor traditional linear storytelling. Many might find themselves questioning the non-linear narrative and ambiguous dialogues, asking themselves what they can take away from such an experience. However, therein lies the brilliance of the piece—challenging viewers to draw their own connections and conclusions.
The film's intentions align well with those who see the value in art as a medium to hide secrets and inner truths, rather than exposing them outright. With an unconventional plot and narrative style, Fausto invites its audience to engage deeply, interpretively wandering through its woven stories to find personal meaning. This open-ended engagement is like a whisper to a generation often assumed to have short attention spans, asking them to slow down, to ponder, to reflect.
On the surface, Fausto might seem elusive or purely artistic, but the underlying connections to political and social themes shouldn’t be ignored. In many ways, Fausto can be seen as a reflection of the multifaceted human condition and the cultural narratives that shape societal norms and expectations. It makes viewers ponder how tales lie in the intersections of history, culture, and personal identity. For young people, confronting these reflections can be a call to consider the deeper narratives and invisible forces at play in their own lives.
Yet, as with any artwork pushing boundaries, Fausto isn't without its criticisms. Some may see it as not accessible, labeled too niche or high-brow, potentially alienating audiences seeking a straightforward storyline or resolution. For those who are not inherently drawn to abstract art, Fausto might feel frustrating or even unnecessary. But it's vital to acknowledge that art in all its forms, whether abstract or conventional, serves its purpose in expanding our perspectives.
Indeed, while Fausto might not be everyone's particular cup of tea, it presents an opportunity to see how film can transcend conventional norms of storytelling. A film like this expands our understanding of what cinema can be—something not just consumed, but digested, questioned, and revisited. This aligns closely with the values held by Gen Z, who are often characterized by their preference for authenticity, diverse narratives, and an openness to challenging traditional norms.
In effect, Fausto embodies a piece of visual courage, willing to break new ground and take risks. For some, it will be a chance to discover how they perceive narrative, reality, and imagination. For others, it may feel like wading through an enigma better suited to the gallery than the cinema. But if there’s a calling in the film, it’s to embrace the story—not only the one on the screen, but those in our own lives—and consider how the tales we tell shape the worlds we inhabit.