Guillermo Francella is one of the most popular stars in Argentine film and television in recent decades. Initially known as a comedian, his television programs have been all the rage since the 1980s and his success moved to the cinema with comedies that filled cinemas but did not enjoy any prestige. He gradually raised the level of his projects, reaching a turning point in 2009 with the Oscar-winning film The Secret of His Eyes.
That also marked his significance beyond his country of origin, and today he is a recognizable figure throughout Latin America. Every new film in which he participates is an event awaited by everyone, like the recently released Hail. Here are five titles to stream and enjoy their work.
The Secret in Their Eyes - Star+
The film that changed Francella's career. Although great comedians often successfully move to drama, this case is equally surprising. In this police officer, the character of Pablo Sandoval played by Francella also achieves great moments of humor. Sandoval, Benjamín Espósito's assistant (Ricardo Darín) wanders between pathos, heroism and finally has in his mouth the great monologue of the film, referring to passion, which today is a classic scene.
Winner of awards all over the world, including the Oscar for Best Foreign Film, it was also a huge blockbuster, giving Francella a hitherto unawarded recognition for her work in film. He directed Juan José Campanella.
Animal - Star+
Francella plays Antonio Decoud, a man with a perfect life and a family that loves him. Nothing is missing, but one day he learns that he needs an urgent kidney transplant and his entire universe collapses. Directed by Armando Bó Jr. — grandson of the legendary Armando Bó — and written by him and Nicolás Giacobone, this dark and claustrophobic film offers more than one possible interpretation. Great work by Francella, once again.
Mi obra maestra - Netflix
Brilliant satire about the art world. Francella plays Arturo, a gallery owner willing to do anything to maintain his status and Luis Brandoni is Renzo, a hermit artist with bad manners whose career has stalled. A dangerous idea to revive Renzo leads Arturo to develop a dishonest but unusually successful plan. Directed by Gastón Duprat and produced by his partner Mariano Cohn, this is another provocative and fun look at artists and the cultural environment, typical of this duo of directors.
The robbery of the century - Star+
The film is based on a real event, the robbery of a branch of Banco Río, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, that occurred in 2006. Francella and Diego Peretti share a poster in this police officer with a great sense of humor and great cinematic rhythm. It was the great success of Argentine cinema before everything was closed due to the pandemic. In addition to good films, Francella continues to make a very box-office cinema. He runs the ever effective Ariel Winograd.
The Clan - Star+
Perhaps the ultimate proof of Francella's talent. All the performances mentioned so far are excellent, but here the level of darkness of his character completely erases any trace of his past as a comedian.
A disturbing portrait of Archimedes Puccio, the patriarch of a family who, after working in the intelligence service during the Argentine dictatorship of the seventies, decides to form a gang to carry out extortive kidnappings. Based on a true story. He directs none other than Pablo Trapero.
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