Arrebato

press release: Spain | 1979 | 35mm | 115 min.| Spanish with English subtitles

Director: Ivan Zulueta; Cast: Eusebio Poncela, Cecila Roth, Will More

Horror movie director José (Poncela) is adrift in a sea of doubt and drugs. As his belated second feature nears completion, his reclusive bubble is popped by two events: a sudden reappearance from an ex-girlfriend (Roth) and a package from past acquaintance Pedro (More). In the package: a reel of Super-8 film, an audiotape, and a door key. From there, the boundaries of time, space, and sexuality are erased as José is once more sucked into Pedro’s vampiric orbit. Together, they attempt the ultimate hallucinogenic catharsis through filming and being filmed. The dimension-shattering blend of madness and cinema in Arrebato (rapture) has earned it comparisons to Zulawski’s Possession. This mindbending piece of Post-Franco counterculture was the final feature of cult filmmaker and movie poster designer Zulueta. Pedro Almodóvar’ has declared it his favorite horror film!

Screenings mostly take place at 4070 Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue. Once-a-month Sunday afternoon screenings take place at the Chazen Museum of Art, 750 University Avenue. In accord with current UW Madison policies, masks are required for entry to our venues. All Cinematheque screenings are free and open to the public. Please visit our website for a complete listing of programs and descriptions.