Two Worlds

Sobering tale about the small-time loser Santiago, who roams the streets of a Spanish town after leaving his wife and children looking for ground under his feet. There only seems to be one way out for him. Surprising, Dardennesque debut by producer Serrano. Somewhere in a Spanish city, Santiago (in his 30s and played by the Mexican painter Bosco Sodi) roams aimlessly and lonely through the streets. His wife has thrown him out and the judge has decided that he cannot see his children for now. Santiago tries to put his life back together again from this unfortunate situation. He has a job in a friend's bar, but is given the sack. Little by little, his life falls apart. The camera (impressive work by David Valdeperez) follows him roaming the streets looking for work and for an aim in life. His only way out seems to be the highest bridge in the city... Scriptwriter and novice director Carlos Serrano Azcona (1969) previously worked on "Japon" by Carlos Reygadas, who is co-producer this time, as is the Spaniard Jaime Rosales, director of e.g. "Bullet in the Head". The form and style of "The Tree" were partly inspired by the work of the Dardenne Brothers, but Serrano Azcona was also influenced by the possibilities of modern video cameras, as previously revealed by Albert Serra ("Honour of the Knights") and Rafa Cortes ("Yo"). The result is a dynamic yet restrained and contemplative film. The Tree opens the eyes of the viewer to everyday despair and existential hope, culminating in a climax that has to be seen to be 'believed'. (ID/GT)

Jim Belmont, believing that his wife has committed adultery with Gordon Daniels, takes his small daughter, Cuddles, and heads for the Canadian wilderness. Daniels then pays Murdock to murder Jim; after Jim's death, Shep, Jim's faithful dog, assumes responsibility for the child, going to Poleon Dufresne, a trapper, for help. Poleon takes in the dog and the little girl and sends for Agnes Belmont, who quickly hurries to her child's side. Daniels follows Agnes (who, in fact, has been faithful to both the person and the memory of her husband) and attempts to kill her. Shep saves her life and drives Daniels off a cliff to his death. Agnes and Dufresne wed, providing a happy home for Shep and Cuddles.

A school teacher gets an unexpected visit from a man claiming to be his half brother, with news and a request from his dead father.

When a gang attacks his ranch and kills one of his ranch hands, Jim Roberts gets together with his neighbors to fight the Bennett Cattle Co., whom they are sure is behind the attacks in a scheme to drive them off their land so they can get it for themselves, then build packing plants so they don't have to spend the money to ship cattle back east. When they hear about the neighbors' plans to resist, the company hires professional killer Butch Crane to stop them. Government agent Rocky Cameron and his partner Fuzzy are dispatched to gather evidence against the company, but Fuzzy is soon mistaken for Crane. Complications ensue.

The Illustrator is the story of an American artist living a life of solitude. Losing his loved ones from a young age, Jack Ridley moves from his home in Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia. He is a loner, an outcast, distanced from society, and relying on his unique illustrations and memories of his past to survive in a foreign city he struggles to fit into. A chance encounter with a young Australian boy in need of help suddenly forces Jack to decide whether he will continue living in isolation, or reveal his one secret to the world.

Jean wants to avenge his father, killed in Marseille.