Today's IMDb Poll Question Is: Which movie do you think should have been nominated for Best Picture this year? (Suggested by James A. -- and while you're at it, get your votes in for our annual Oscar Poll)
(vote)
IMDb Movie of the Day A centuries-old artifact is quite literally at the heart of Chronos, Guillermo del Toro's shivering, creepy-crawly feature debut. The artifact, a Faberge-looking golden scarab, is discovered by antique dealer Jesus Gris (Federico Luppi) in the base of an archangel he purchased at an estate sale. Clueless as to its origin and use (a back-story which we, the audience, are treated to in an ominous, beautifully composed opening sequence), Jesus turns the scarab's dials, sets it on his hand to observe, and unknowingly changes the course of his life. It's when he crosses paths with an aged industrialist Dieter de la Guardia (Claudio Brook) that Jesus learns that the scarab grants immortality -- at a price, of course -- provided its used according to its ancient instructions. Dieter's lust for the artifact sets in motion a mindgame between the two decaying men, one that's attended to by their respective underlings; Dieter's thuggish nephew Angel (Ron Perlman), and Mercedes (Margarita Isabel), Jesus' grand-daughter, who stashes the scarab in her teddy (and is pretty good with a cane come clutch-time). The entire production is as steeped in classic horror as it is in Latin magical realism; it's a frightening pleasure, with, as every good horror should have, smart laughs when your heart is about to burst from anxiety. Winner of nine Golden Ariels (Mexico's Oscar, essentially) and the Critics' Week Grand Prize at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival, Chronos established del Toro as a director with a gift for both setting mood and developing characters. Furthermore, the film, alongside Like Water for Chocolate, turned the international film community's eyes on Mexican cinema -- an undulation that would eventually give way to a new wave. - Arno Kazarian
(more) (Movie
of the Day Archive)
more
company.
Advertise on IMDb.
License our content.