Ulises says that naming a boat after one's wife is a forerunner of bad luck. From the moment he names it "Martina" we know misfortune will overtake them. Like a Greek tragedy what follows is inevitable.
The numerous sex scenes in this drama are given an original touch when Ulises, a teacher of classical literature, mesmerizes Martina by reciting an episode from Virgil's Aeneid. While this may sound rather silly, Ulises delivers the lines in a poetic way which tends to enliven the romantic mood. Indeed his story oft repeated ultimately becomes part of the sex act. When Martina says "Tell me that story again" it is an invitation to indulge in another session of sex.
The character of Ulises is interesting. Not the usual clean cut hero, but long-haired, unshaven and with a generally unkempt look. An easy prey for the seductive Martina. Their scenes together are mainly convincing except when he cries with his head in her lap. I do not feel moved by this scene as I feel I should. Perhaps it is because he has just handled a tuna fish, and the smell of fish is still on his hands.
The introduction of Alberto's crocodile into the story leads one to surmise what horrible part it may play, and who will suffer as a consequence. All your guesses will be wrong! The planned drowning of the lovers at sea by evil and underhand forces brings to a close so many romantic interludes. But wait! The director of this film has decided that love transcends death. In a symbolic way we see their bodies lying in utter nakedness on a cold slab move together and embrace as true lovers do. Strange isn't it, how so many films end with a kiss?
The numerous sex scenes in this drama are given an original touch when Ulises, a teacher of classical literature, mesmerizes Martina by reciting an episode from Virgil's Aeneid. While this may sound rather silly, Ulises delivers the lines in a poetic way which tends to enliven the romantic mood. Indeed his story oft repeated ultimately becomes part of the sex act. When Martina says "Tell me that story again" it is an invitation to indulge in another session of sex.
The character of Ulises is interesting. Not the usual clean cut hero, but long-haired, unshaven and with a generally unkempt look. An easy prey for the seductive Martina. Their scenes together are mainly convincing except when he cries with his head in her lap. I do not feel moved by this scene as I feel I should. Perhaps it is because he has just handled a tuna fish, and the smell of fish is still on his hands.
The introduction of Alberto's crocodile into the story leads one to surmise what horrible part it may play, and who will suffer as a consequence. All your guesses will be wrong! The planned drowning of the lovers at sea by evil and underhand forces brings to a close so many romantic interludes. But wait! The director of this film has decided that love transcends death. In a symbolic way we see their bodies lying in utter nakedness on a cold slab move together and embrace as true lovers do. Strange isn't it, how so many films end with a kiss?