Buena Vista Social Club

Wim Wenders | Germany | 1999 | 101 mins

Although most of the walls put up during the Cold War have long since tumbled down, a barrier still exists between the United States and Cuba. In 1996, American guitarist Ry Cooder ventured over to Havana to explore the rich musical tradition the Western world has missed out on for the past forty years. Cooder managed to locate some of Cuba's long-forgotten (but still immensely gifted) musical talents, including Compay Segundo, Eliades Ochoa, Ibrahim Ferrer, and Ruben Gonzalez. Director Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire, The American Friend) tracks the newly-assembled band's progress from the run-down bars of Cuba to the opulence of New York's Carnegie Hall.

While the musicians' incredible life stories and the music itself remain the focus of this moving documentary, Wenders also provides a more subtle form of social commentary. With the help of various cinematographers, Wenders ably captures a nation that has been left far behind the current economic boom. The 1950s automobiles, dilapidated apartments, and washed-out colours found in Havana sharply contrast with the tall buildings and bright lights of New York City. In a memorable scene, one of the musicians pulls out a photograph of Fidel Castro gazing up at the Lincoln Monument in Washington D.C. Its caption reads, "David and Goliath, 1959."

Yet however profound the political statements in the film may be, they cannot compare to the raw energy and emotion that the performers (who are mostly octogenarians!) display during the concert scenes. These are men (and one woman) who have witnessed tremendous change not only within their country, but within their lives and careers as well. Throughout it all, they have held onto their music as a source of identity. When they lift their voices in song, the pain and triumph of their remarkable experiences resonate throughout the concert hall. Ranked alongside landmark concert films such as Martin Scorsese's The Last Waltz and Jonathan Demme's Stop Making Sense, The Buena Vista Social Club is an experience not to be missed. Be sure to check out the soundtrack as well!

Review by Beth Gilligan
Taken from EUFS programme spring 2000