The Aura

“I know when they're going to come because a few seconds earlier, I feel something. The doctors call it ‘aura’.”Into the Mind of a Taxidermist: Exploring The AuraFabián Bielinsky's final film The Aura (2005) marked his second and tragically last collaboration with Argentine star Ricardo Darín before the director's untimely death at age 47. Following their success with Nine Queens, this psychological thriller follows an epileptic taxidermist who becomes entangled in a casino heist after accidentally killing a man during a hunting trip. The film showcases Bielinsky's masterful direction and Darín's nuanced performance in what would become one of Argentine cinema's most compelling neo-noir entries. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we return to our Ricardo Darín series with a conversation about The Aura.A Study in Point of ViewPete and Andy explore how Bielinsky crafted the film's unique perspective, particularly through the protagonist's epileptic seizures. The hosts discuss the innovative camera techniques used to convey these moments, including the circular dolly track combined with zoom effects that create a deeply unsettling viewer experience. They note how this technical prowess serves the larger narrative about perception and reality.Criminal Aspirations vs. RealityThe conversation delves into Darín's character Esteban, a taxidermist who fantasizes about perfect heists but struggles with human relationships. Andy highlights how the film subverts heist movie tropes, while Pete observes how Esteban's professional isolation mirrors his social limitations. Both hosts praise the film's exploration of the gap between criminal fantasy and brutal reality.Key Discussion Points:The film's distinctive green color palette and its relationship to the protagonist's mental stateA masterful transition sequence between airplane and jeep that impressed both hostsThe significance of the protagonist's profession as a taxidermistHow the episodic structure of days creates distinct character studiesThe role of the dog in the narrative's darker elementsBielinsky's planned trilogy and what might have beenVisual Storytelling and Technical AchievementThe hosts examine how Bielinsky and cinematographer Checco Varese created the film's distinctive look, praising their ability to make the forest environment both beautiful and menacing. Pete particularly notes how the desaturated green palette reinforces the protagonist's alienation from his environment.Legacy and ImpactAndy and Pete reflect on the film's place in Argentine cinema and its tragic position as Bielinsky's final work. They discuss how The Aura builds on themes from Nine Queens while creating something entirely unique in the crime genre. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!🎬 Watch & Discover🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube🍿 Watch the Film: Cinema of the World | Amazon | Letterboxd📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements | The Film Board | Movies We Like | The Next Reel | Sitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Web | Letterboxd | Flickchart | Instagram | Bluesky | YouTube | DiscordYour Hosts: Andy | PeteMerch Store | Audible