Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Wild Tales (Spanish: Relatos salvajes) is a 2014 Argentine-Spanish black comedy anthology film written and directed by Damián Szifron. The film consists of six standalone short stories, each with a common theme of violence and vengeance. The stories are filled with dark humor, absurdity, and social commentary, exploring the extremes of human behavior.
The Stories Unfold
1. Pasternak
The film opens with a model and a music critic on a plane, discovering they both know a man named Pasternak. Gradually, all the passengers realize they have wronged Pasternak in some way. The revelation that Pasternak is the pilot and has locked himself in the cockpit leads to a chilling conclusion as the plane crashes into his parents’ house.
2. The Rats
In a remote roadside diner, a waitress recognizes a customer as the loan shark who ruined her family. The cook suggests poisoning his food. After a tense moment, the cook takes matters into her own hands, resulting in a violent confrontation and the man’s death.
3. The Strongest
Two men on a deserted highway get into a road rage altercation that escalates to deadly violence. Their feud spirals out of control, ending in a mutual destruction where both men die in a fiery explosion.
4. Little Bomb
A demolition expert, Simón Fischer, has his car towed unjustly. His attempts to navigate the bureaucratic system to retrieve his car lead to his personal and professional ruin. He retaliates by blowing up the car pound, becoming a folk hero in the process.
5. The Proposal
A wealthy man’s son accidentally kills a pregnant woman in a hit-and-run. The father concocts a plan to have the family’s groundskeeper take the blame for a large sum of money. Corruption among the lawyers and officials complicates the plan, leading to betrayal and an unexpected outcome.
6. Until Death Do Us Part
At a lavish wedding, the bride discovers her husband has been unfaithful with one of the guests. The celebration turns into chaos as she exacts her revenge in a series of dramatic and humiliating actions, ultimately resulting in a reconciliatory and destructive dance.
The Conclusion
Each story in Wild Tales ends with a powerful twist, highlighting the dark, often absurd lengths to which people will go when pushed to their limits. The film concludes with the wedding story, where the bride and groom’s volatile relationship mirrors the overall theme of the film: the thin line between civility and chaos.
Movie Ending
Wild Tales ends on a note of reconciliation and destruction in the final segment, “Until Death Do Us Part,” with the bride and groom sharing a violent yet passionate dance, symbolizing the film’s exploration of extreme human emotions and actions.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Wild Tales.
Type of Movie
Wild Tales is a black comedy anthology film that combines elements of thriller, drama, and social satire, focusing on themes of revenge, violence, and the fragility of civility.
Cast
- Pasternak: Dario Grandinetti as Salgado, María Marull as Isabel
- The Rats: Julieta Zylberberg as Moza, Rita Cortese as Cocinera
- The Strongest: Leonardo Sbaraglia as Diego, Walter Donado as Mario
- Little Bomb: Ricardo Darín as Simón Fischer
- The Proposal: Oscar Martínez as Mauricio, María Onetto as Helena
- Until Death Do Us Part: Érica Rivas as Romina, Diego Gentile as Ariel
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, whose music enhances the film’s darkly comedic and intense atmosphere.
Filming Locations
Wild Tales was filmed in various locations across Argentina, capturing both urban and rural settings that contribute to the stories’ authenticity and relatability.
Awards and Nominations
Wild Tales received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film Not in the English Language.
- Goya Awards: Won Best Iberoamerican Film.
- Cannes Film Festival: Nominated for the Palme d’Or.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Damián Szifron drew inspiration from his own frustrations and observations of social injustices and human behavior.
- The film’s unique structure as an anthology allowed for diverse storytelling styles and tones within a unified thematic framework.
- Each segment was meticulously crafted to balance dark humor with intense drama, making the stories both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Inspirations and References
Wild Tales is inspired by real-life incidents and universal themes of vengeance, frustration, and the unpredictability of human nature. The stories reflect societal issues such as bureaucracy, corruption, infidelity, and the consequences of unchecked anger.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of Wild Tales closely follows Szifron’s original vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The revelation that Pasternak is the pilot.
- The cook poisoning the loan shark in “The Rats.”
- The escalating road rage confrontation in “The Strongest.”
- Simón Fischer blowing up the car pound in “Little Bomb.”
- The chaotic wedding reception in “Until Death Do Us Part.”
Iconic Quotes
- “There are two kinds of people: the good and the bad.” – Salgado in “Pasternak”
- “I’m tired of people like you ruining the world.” – Simón Fischer in “Little Bomb”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The interconnectedness of the stories through shared themes and subtle references to other segments within each story.
- Szifron’s cameo appearances and personal touches in various scenes, adding a layer of personal commentary.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $3 million, and it grossed over $30 million worldwide.
- Wild Tales is one of the highest-grossing Argentine films of all time.
- The film’s dark humor and satirical edge have earned it a cult following and critical acclaim for its bold storytelling.
Why Watch?
Wild Tales offers a unique and captivating exploration of human nature, filled with dark humor, intense drama, and thought-provoking social commentary. Its blend of diverse storytelling, standout performances, and masterful direction by Damián Szifron makes it a must-watch for fans of anthology films and black comedies.
Director’s Other Movies
Damián Szifron also directed:
- Tiempo de valientes (2005)
- The Bottom of the Sea (2003)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Amores Perros (2000)
- Burn After Reading (2008)
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Four Rooms (1995)
