A nostalgic journey through childhood in ‘Rita’

Introduction to ‘Rita’

In her debut as a writer-director-producer, Paz Vega takes us on a deeply personal journey with her film Rita. Set in 1984 in the unpretentious district of Triana in Seville, Spain, the film reflects Vega’s own childhood experiences. Known for her roles in Sex and Lucia and Spanglish, Vega now steps behind the camera to tell a story that is both intimate and universal.

A glimpse into the past

Rita opens with a nostalgic recreation of an ’80s childhood. The film’s initial two-minute pan captures the essence of the era, moving from a rudimentary metal fan to notebooks, crayons, a toy lorry, an action figure, a basket of marbles, and a manual arm clock, finally resting on Rita as she wakes up on her top bunk bed. This meticulous attention to detail immerses the audience in the sights and sounds of the past.

The sensory experience of childhood

The film doesn’t just focus on objects but also on the sensations and sounds that define childhood. The pan captures Rita climbing down the ladder from her bunk bed, her bare feet on the metal rails—a sensation many will remember. The robust ring of an ’80s fixed-line telephone and the dry scald of handling hot toast straight from the toaster are other sensory experiences that bring the era to life.

The duality of childhood

Rita is divided into two parts: the blissful innocence of childhood and the harsh reality of domestic violence. The young girl soon hears the muffled shouts of her father, José Manuel, tearing into her mother, Mari, and the dull thud of punches. The film poignantly captures the impact of domestic violence on children, seen through their eyes.

A director’s vision

Vega’s directorial debut is a powerful work of an auteur. She becomes invisible in the service of the story, focusing on the children’s perspective. The film’s framing is crucial, with what is off-camera being as important as what is in the frame. This technique creates a sense of anguish, as the audience hears but doesn’t see the parents’ quarrels, focusing instead on the children’s reactions.

The toxic masculinity theme

The relationship between José Manuel and his son, Lolo, is a study in toxic masculinity. José Manuel wants Lolo to be a macho, reflecting his own father’s expectations. This chain reaction of toxic masculinity passes from one generation to another, causing immense suffering.

Personal reflections

Vega’s personal connection to the story is evident. She grew up in Seville in the ’80s, and many of Rita’s experiences mirror her own. The oppressive atmosphere of the flat, the moments of happiness and hope when Rita goes outside, and the sensory experiences of childhood are all drawn from Vega’s memories.

The cast and crew

The film features an all-Andalusian cast and crew, except for Roberto Álamo, who plays José Manuel and is from Madrid. This casting choice adds to the character’s sense of isolation and perpetual anger, reflecting the struggles of many fathers in that era.

Influences and originality

While Vega admires directors like Sean Baker and Jonathan Glazer, she has strived to create a film that is uniquely her own. Rita has its own essence, drawing from Italian neorealism but standing apart as a deeply personal story.

Conclusion

Rita is a poignant and powerful film that captures the duality of childhood—the blissful innocence and the harsh reality of domestic violence. Vega’s personal connection to the story and her meticulous attention to detail make this film a compelling watch. For those interested in exploring the film further, you can watch the trailer here.

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