🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Paul Morrison
- Genre: Biography, Drama, History, Romance
- Release year: 2009
- Runtime (length): 1h 52min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 23%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Three artsy Spanish bros in the 1920s can’t decide if they want to paint, write poetry, direct surreal films, or just intensely stare at each other while navigating a very dramatic love triangle.
🍿 Little Ashes: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Madrid, 1922: A City on the Cusp of Change
In a Madrid buzzing with new influences like Jazz and Freud, 18-year-old Salvador Dalí arrives at the university, determined to make his mark as an artist. His unique blend of shyness and flamboyance quickly draws the attention of two of the university’s brightest minds: the charismatic poet Federico García Lorca and the aspiring filmmaker Luis Buñuel. Together, this formidable trio embodies the avant-garde spirit, forming the most ultra-modern group in the city.
A Deepening Bond and Shifting Dynamics
As their friendship evolves, Salvador finds himself increasingly drawn to Federico, who remains unaware of the affections of his friend, Magdalena. Feeling sidelined by the growing closeness between Salvador and Federico, Luis Buñuel decides to pursue his own artistic ambitions in Paris. This leaves Salvador and Federico to deepen their connection during a summer holiday at the idyllic seaside town of Cadaqués, the home of Dalí’s family. Here, amidst the serene surroundings, their bond transcends friendship.
The Chasm of Ambition and Desire
Despite their profound connection, the relationship between Salvador and Federico faces challenges. Luis’s visits back to the university reveal his growing suspicion and discomfort with their closeness. Salvador, overwhelmed by Federico’s intense devotion, decides to leave for Paris. There, he immerses himself in high society and decadence, quickly becoming entangled with Gala, a married woman with a reputation for associating with celebrities. When Federico later visits Dalí in Paris, he finds his friend profoundly changed, both in his personal life and political views, marking a significant divergence in their paths.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Salvador Dalí (Robert Pattinson): The eccentric and ambitious young artist who grapples with his identity and a complex romantic relationship with Federico García Lorca.
- Federico García Lorca (Javier Beltrán): A charismatic and sensitive poet who develops a deep, often unrequited, love for Salvador Dalí amidst changing societal norms.
- Luis Buñuel (Matthew McNulty): An aspiring filmmaker and friend to Dalí and Lorca, who becomes increasingly isolated by their bond and his own artistic and political pursuits.
- Magdalena (Marina Gatell): A devoted writer and friend to Federico García Lorca, who harbors unacknowledged romantic feelings for him.
- Gala (Arly Jover): A sophisticated and manipulative married woman who becomes Salvador Dalí’s muse, lover, and eventual wife.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Salvador Dalí: “If I’m going to be anything more than average, if anyone’s going to remember me, then I need to go further in everything: in art, in life, in everything they think is real: morality, immorality, good, bad, I, we, have to smash that to pieces, we have to go beyond that, we have to be brave. no limit.” – Dalí articulates his artistic and personal philosophy, emphasizing a radical rejection of conventional boundaries to achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy.
💰Box Office
- Budget: €2,500,000
- Domestic Gross: $481,586
- Worldwide Gross: $767,567
💥 Little Ashes Reviews
Personal Review
Oh man, ‘Little Ashes’ totally captivated me! I went in not knowing much about the real lives of Dalí, Lorca, and Buñuel, but this film made me want to dive deep into their history. I was so drawn into the passionate, almost suffocating, intensity of their relationships, especially the one between Dalí and Lorca. You really feel the weight of their artistic ambitions clashing with their personal desires. The scene where Dalí first tries to kiss Lorca, and the sheer tension and raw emotion there, really stuck with me. It’s a beautifully shot film that makes you feel both the excitement and the tragedy of their world.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of historical dramas and biopics, especially those centered on artists”
- “Viewers interested in the lives of Salvador Dalí, Federico García Lorca, and Luis Buñuel”
- “Audiences open to LGBTQ+ themes and complex character studies”
- “Supporters of independent and art-house cinema”
- “Those curious to see Robert Pattinson in an early, unconventional role”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mature themes, including sexuality and implied sexual content”
- “Depiction of political violence and execution”
- “Brief nudity”
- “Thematic exploration of repression and societal judgment towards homosexuality”
Professional Reviews
- FilmSpeak Magazine: “Little Ashes offers a passionate, albeit speculative, look into the formative years of three cultural titans. Robert Pattinson, Javier Beltrán, and Matthew McNulty deliver compelling performances, capturing the intense friendships and blossoming rivalries. The film beautifully recreates 1920s Madrid, making it a visually rich period piece. While the historical accuracy is debatable, the emotional depth of their intertwined lives resonates, making for an engaging, if at times melodramatic, experience.
- The Daily Critic: “This biographical drama plunges into the tumultuous relationship between Salvador Dalí, Federico García Lorca, and Luis Buñuel. Its strength lies in its raw portrayal of youthful ambition and forbidden love. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, particularly in the intimate scenes that explore their complex bond. It’s a film that leans into the romanticized vision of its subjects, delivering a visually striking and emotionally charged narrative that will captivate fans of historical romance and art house cinema.
Audience Reactions
The intense chemistry between the lead actors, especially Robert Pattinson and Javier Beltrán, was a major draw.: Many viewers praised the film for its bold and sensitive portrayal of a historically significant, yet often overlooked, love story, along with its visually appealing period setting.
The exploration of the early lives and influences of artistic legends like Dalí and Lorca was fascinating.: Audiences frequently complimented the film’s ability to humanize these iconic figures, showcasing their vulnerabilities and passions, and making their dramatic personal lives feel very real and tragic.
Overall Consensus: Little Ashes is generally well-received for its passionate performances, intriguing historical premise, and the compelling exploration of the complex, often tragic, relationships between its famous subjects.
Awards
- GLAAD Media Award (Outstanding Film – Limited Release)- 2010
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Robert Pattinson admitted to performing his sex scene by masturbating for real, stating he found it impossible to fake an orgasm and the associated body and face reactions for the camera.”
- “Despite being a film about iconic Spanish artists set in Spain, the primary language of the movie is English. This creative choice led to mixed reviews regarding the actors’ Spanish accents, with some finding them inauthentic.”
- “The film had a modest budget of €2,500,000, which influenced its production value and perhaps its scope in depicting historical events.”
🖥️ How to Watch Little Ashes?
While ‘Little Ashes’ may not be widely available on major subscription streaming platforms, it can typically be found for rent or purchase. Look for it on digital storefronts such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. Checking your local library or specialty film distributors might also yield results for DVD or Blu-ray copies for purchase for a deeper dive into the lives of Dalí, Lorca, and Buñuel.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Little Ashes, you might like these similar films:
- Total Eclipse (1995): Explores the volatile and passionate homosexual relationship between two iconic poets, Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine, set against a backdrop of artistic fervor and personal destruction, mirroring the intense and often fraught connection in ‘Little Ashes’.
- Brokeback Mountain (2005): Deals with the theme of a forbidden and tragic homosexual love story, where societal expectations and personal conflicts prevent two men from fully embracing their desires, resonating with the central romantic struggle in ‘Little Ashes’.
- Midnight in Paris (2011): A whimsical journey into the artistic and intellectual milieu of 1920s Paris, featuring interactions with historical figures like Dalí and Buñuel themselves, offering a complementary look at the era’s avant-garde movement.
- Call Me By Your Name (2017): A tender and visually lush portrayal of a first love between two young men during a summer in the Italian countryside, capturing the emotional depth, intellectual connection, and idyllic setting reminiscent of Lorca and Dalí’s time in Cadaqués.
- Lust for Life (1956): A classic biographical drama about the life of Vincent van Gogh, depicting the intense artistic passion, personal struggles, and unconventional relationships of a tormented genius, appealing to fans interested in the lives of influential artists.
🛒 Little Ashes Related Products
- Little Ashes (Special Edition Blu-ray): Experience the film in stunning high definition with exclusive bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and a director’s commentary that provides deep insights into the movie’s historical context and creative process.
- The Art of Salvador Dalí: A Retrospective Book: A comprehensive art book featuring a vast collection of Salvador Dalí’s iconic works, from his early surrealist pieces to his later masterpieces, including essays on his life and influences, heavily inspired by his early years depicted in the film.
- Little Ashes Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Vinyl LP): Own the evocative and melancholic score by Rolfe Kent on a limited edition vinyl, capturing the emotional depth and romantic tension of the film. A must-have for soundtrack collectors and film score enthusiasts.
- Federico García Lorca Collected Poems (Bilingual Edition): Immerse yourself in the poetic genius of Federico García Lorca, whose relationship with Dalí is central to ‘Little Ashes.’ This bilingual edition includes his most famous works, offering a deeper understanding of his soul and influence.
🎧 Soundtrack
Little Ashes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “The Love Between Us” – performed by Rolfe Kent
- “Madrid, 1922” – performed by Rolfe Kent
- “Dalí’s Temptation” – performed by Rolfe Kent
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, ‘Little Ashes’ is based on the early lives and alleged relationships between three prominent Spanish artists: painter Salvador Dalí, poet Federico García Lorca, and filmmaker Luis Buñuel. While the film draws from historical facts and their correspondence, it takes significant artistic liberties, particularly concerning the romantic relationship between Dalí and Lorca, which Dalí himself later denied was ever consummated.
The film primarily explores themes of forbidden love, artistic passion, sexual identity, and betrayal amidst the turbulent political and social changes in 1920s Spain. It delves into the intense, complex emotional connection between Salvador Dalí and Federico García Lorca, and how their individual artistic paths and personal choices diverge under societal pressures and historical events.
Robert Pattinson portrays the young Salvador Dalí. His performance received mixed reactions from critics and audiences. While some praised his effort in capturing Dalí’s eccentricities and growth, others criticized his accent and believed he was miscast. Despite the division, many acknowledged it as a notable departure from his ‘Twilight’ role and an indication of his acting range.
Many viewers and critics found the accents distracting and inconsistent. The film’s cast included both Spanish and British actors attempting Spanish accents while speaking English, leading to an uneven sound. Some argued that it would have been more authentic and less jarring for the film to have been made entirely in Spanish with subtitles, especially when featuring Spanish poetry.
Yes, ‘Little Ashes’ contains mature and explicit scenes. Robert Pattinson publicly stated in an interview that he performed real masturbation during a sex scene, finding it impossible to convincingly fake the physical reactions required for the moment. This detail became a notable and often-discussed aspect of the film’s production.
‘Little Ashes’ contributed to renewed interest in the personal lives of Dalí, Lorca, and Buñuel, particularly the rumored romance between Dalí and Lorca. Despite mixed critical reception, the film was timely in its depiction of human rights and the right to love, resonating with audiences seeking stories of LGBTQ+ relationships, especially within a historical context. It also showcased Robert Pattinson’s versatility beyond his more mainstream roles, influencing perceptions of his acting career.
🔥 Bonus Content
Little Ashes : Behind the scenes,Jazz club,Robert pattinson
Ever wonder what it was like behind the camera for ‘Little Ashes’, especially during those intense jazz club scenes? This short clip gives you a cool peek at Robert Pattinson and the crew in action, and honestly, seeing the magic happen is always fascinating!
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