Film Preview: Goya’s Ghosts (2007)

Trailers (Due to age, may no longer be available)

Posters (Due to age, may no longer be available)

Poster Rating: C

Review: If it weren’t for Natalie Portman’s face on this poster, the film wouldn’t be able to sell itself. Javier Bardem is a good actor and his somewhat-malicious glance at Portman tells volumes, but hers does not. And the painting in the lower left isn’t very evocative.

Trailer Rating: B-

Review: There are elements of Amadeus in the trailer, which suggests that Milos Forman may not be able to make a brooding period piece like he used to. The preview gives away a large amount of the film’s plot, though the minor details are absent. The performances by talented actors don’t seem terribly impressive from the looks of the preview. Although Stellan Skarsgard could surprise, Natalie Portman and Javier Bardem don’t give much hope with the clips shown in the trailer.

Oscar Prospects:

Once the presumptive frontrunner of the 2006 Oscars, Goya’s Ghosts was pushed to 2007. Now, it’s got a mid-July berth. Those factors suggest the film may not be as powerful as we once thought. Although nominations for Art Direction and Costume Design are very likely, I don’t foresee a lot of attention heaped on the film after this preview and considering circumstances.