The Moment of Truth is a 1965 movie directed by Francesco Rosi.
The Moment of Truth chronicles the rise and fall of Miguelin, a farmer’s son who becomes a famous bullfighter. The movie explores the physical and emotional costs of a dangerous lifestyle.
Rosi creates a narrative feature that feels more like a documentary. Miguel Mateo Miguelin essentially plays himself – a professional bullfighter dealing with the trauma of his profession. It’s clear he isn’t an actor, but that’s the point. His inexperience in front of the camera and credibility as a bullfighter adds to the gritty realism of the movie.
The Moment of Truth is a classic rise and fall tragedy. You can sense an unfortunate end arriving as the 24-year old torero begins an existential reflection. He’s physically and emotionally worn down from a brutal schedule: “Is it really worth it? Is it all just a dream?”
Miguelin is cast as wildly successful but he’s slowly being stripped of his individuality. He’s essentially a product of Don Jose, the Impresario – who arranges Miguelin’s untenable schedule. Jose downplays Miguelin’s exhaustion and fears, urging him to realize “his moment” as a bullfighter.
The theme of exploitation is prevalent throughout the movie as Miguelin owes most of his laborer wages to a job agent. The lure of bullfighting offers an escape, yet even its supposed perks figuratively enslave him. As his fame rises, he’s seduced by Linda, an American with a known reputation. He’s an exotic conquest for her – a plaything of sorts that is easily cast aside.
Naturally, there’s a reckoning that occurs in the movie’s final moments. Miguelin leaves his family’s dusty farm and achieves his goal of fame and wealth. However, the brutal nature of bullfighting leaves behind a wreckage of his dreams.
The signature drama in The Moment of Truth is found in the bullring. Rosi’s camera wanders, capturing the trepidation of its participants. Despite the experience of the movie’s lead, there is a revealing shot of Miguelin’s nerves before he enters the arena. It’s a fascinating moment that would be difficult to create in a narrative form.
Miguelin’s movements around the bull are exceptional. His body control and grace are phenomenal – he glides around the animal, sweeping it aside. Mere inches separate man from beast. Miguelin maintains incomparable control over the bull – leaning his elbow into its head, gently scratching it.
The contrasts between Miguelin’s initial training and starring in Madrid are striking. Training begins in a cramped basement with the surly Pedrucho, who laments his diminishing craft. His speeches on the art of bullfighting are among the movie’s highlights. Miguelin eventually graduates to the splendor of Madrid and its crisp elegance.
As Miguelin’s fate turns, this same beauty reveals a horrific brutality of the craft. Miguelin is gored. While fully expected at some point, the impact is still stunning. His body stiffens – he’s like a corpse being dragged to burial. The Catholic symbolism – present before – now emerges more vividly. Miguelin is lost in prayer before his next fight.
The BEST – Man vs Beast
There is something primal about man conquering a chaotic animal – if only for a moment. The visceral satisfaction in these spaces is hard to explain – it’s a poetic expression of dominance as Miguelin rests his elbow against a beast designed to maul him.
The BEST Part 2 – Hometown Boy Makes Good
Miguelin returns home after his injury and while I was expecting him to gain some perspective on his place in life, I was incredibly satisfied when he didn’t. He wasn’t hailed as a champion of his people but rather was an unknown in a desolate area where dreams aren’t realized.
The BEST Part 3 – Miguelin’s Parents
Similarly, Miguelin’s parents aren’t given extensive roles. They are simply farmers who appear confused in front of the cameras. Her mother exists in the movie to convey her fears that her son will get maimed in the bullring. His father is the symbolic reason Miguelin pursues such a path.
The WORST – No Animals Were Harmed in the Making……
The elegance of Miguelin’s movements are quickly forgotten when you realize what actually happens to the bulls. It’s disturbing to watch such carnage in the name of sport – or even art.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5
The Moment of Truth is a unique offering that blends documentary style realism within a narrative form. In doing so, the audience is gifted an inside look at both the craft and art of bullfighting – a practice equal parts elegant and barbaric. A must watch.
