La Cabina/El Televisor review – horror and anxiety on the air and down the line in Franco’s Spain
La Cabina: A Surreal Nightmare
Antonio Mercero's La Cabina (★★★★★) is a cult 1972 surreal short film that lasts just 35 minutes but encompasses an entire dreamworld of anxiety. The film tells the story of a fussy middle-aged man, played by José Luis López Vázquez, who steps into a phone booth that has just appeared in a suburban sidestreet. However, the phone doesn't work, and he can't get out; the door is jammed.
The Absurdity of El Televisor
Narciso Ibáñez Serrador's El Televisor (★★★☆☆) from 1974 is a spirited but overextended satire on TV and its promotion of convenience and leisure. The film follows Enrique, a sad and mediocre little man who works all hours at his boring job to earn enough to provide for his family. He dreams of buying a brand new colour TV set, but once installed, he becomes maniacally obsessed with watching TV all day, every day.
Exploring Themes of Anxiety and Surveillance
Both films explore themes of anxiety, surveillance, and the impact of technology on society in Franco's Spain. La Cabina can be seen as a parable of surveillance and tyranny, while El Televisor critiques the effects of television on individuals and society.
Release Details
- La Cabina/El Televisor is in UK cinemas from 19 June.
- The films will be released on Blu-ray from 20 July.