Movie Review: Mad Love

Most people have heard of Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of England's infamous King Henry VIII. Fewer people, perhaps, have heard the story of Juana, Katherine's older sister and wife of Duke Philip of Burgundy. The third daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, Juana's erratic behavior and bouts of hysteria earned her the moniker Juana la Loca ("Joan the Mad"). Spain's official entry for the 2002 Academy Awards, Mad Love captures Juana's story in a powerful and dramatic rendition.

I know very little about Juana's life (although I recently purchased a dual biography of her and Katherine that I plan on reading when able [link]), so cannot fully vouch for the historical accuracy of the film. One thing I can vouch for, however, is the power of performance. Juana (played by Pilar López de Ayala), despite her husband's many infidelities and his attempts to usurp her political power, remains fiercely devoted to him and refuses to let anything stand in her way maintaining both her marriage and her rule. Even at her most erratic moments, de Ayala brings nothing less than pure passion to her portrayal of this vastly misunderstood and powerful woman.

In addition to great performances, the film is superbly costumed, photographed and scored. The only drawback is the narration- every time the narrator describes a scene or plot point, it usually is set several years later along the time line of the film than his previous one, which makes the various sections of the film feel slightly disconnected from each other. Nonetheless, the storyline and powerful performances make the film a must-see for anyone interested in Spanish history

Book Review: The Lost Diary of Don Juan

These days, calling someone "Don Juan"could have ambiguous results. The moniker of this legendary seducer may be seen as a compliment, an insult or anything in between. In any case, this first novel by Douglas Carlton Abrams not only shows Don Juan in a whole new light, but, through simple yet passionate innocence, turns the entire philosophy of the Spanish Inquisition on its head.

Set in the Spanish coastal city of Sevilla in the 16th century, the tale is narrated by Don Juan himself, and tells the story of his life. Abandoned as an infant and raised by nuns, Juan worships women as the true embodiment of God's beauty and mercy. Even as a thief and burglar during his teenage years, he sympathizes with his victims; women neglected by their husbands and daughters kept cloistered by their fathers. Now living the elegant lifestyle of the libertine, he finds his way to many of their beds, and receives divine pleasure in merely bringing them satisfaction. His lifestyle earns him many enemies, not least the head of the office of the Inquisition, and he continuously walks a fine line between danger and protection.

A truly passionate and genuine soul, Don Juan refuses to give into the fire and brimstone dogma of the Inquisition, and embodies this spirit in his own words: "As long as desire is banished from the Kingdom of Heaven, there will always be a long line at the Gates of Hell." (p. 113) 

Written with dozens of unique characters- some wise and kind, others zealous and cruel- this multi-layered and sensuous novel brings forth the full glory of Sevilla's golden age. The historical detail is unimaginably rich and the words themselves seem to glow.