As the powerful based-on-a-true-story Electroshock opens, we see how Elvira is saved from
a suicide attempt, only to be charged later with the murder of another woman. But as the
film, set in Franco Spain, flashes back to 1972 – to a time in which homosexuality was
thought to be an aberration and was persecuted by law – we slowly discover that Elvira
could not have killed this woman, a fellow teacher named Pilar, because Elvira loved her.
As the narrative flashes backward and forward we bear witness to Elvira and Pilar’s love
story. A love that had to surmount many obstacles - the prejudices LGBT people suffered,
the breaching of the Hippocratic oath by homophobic doctors, and Pilar’s mother, a woman
so intolerant of her daughter’s sexuality she had her committed to an institution and
approved electroshock therapy, which is depicted graphically, to “cure” her daughter’s
“condition”. Despite the mental trauma and years of incarceration, Elvira and Pilar would
reunite several years later, with help from another family member.
Electroshock will make you appreciate the freedoms we have gained along the way but is also
a celebration of love triumphing against many odds; in the end these women’s loving promise
to be together is really where the movie commences. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Career Synopsis
Juan Carlos Claver was born in Madrid in 1964. He began as an editor for television. His
shorts, Revés, Los siete pecados capitals, Ella and Una noche de cine. He has directed the
feature films; El cruce, Sprint especial and Electroshock. He is currently working on a
new film Manasés, los olvidados, shooting in 2007.
|
