A Wall of Silence

A Wall of Silence (Spanish: Un muro de silencio) is a 1993 Argentine drama film starring Vanessa Redgrave. The film concerns a turbulent period in Argentine history, the National Reorganization Process as well as the responsibility of artists in engaging and interpreting human stories from this period.^[1] It was directed by Lita Stantic and released theatrically in Argentina on 10 June 1993. It was also screened later that year at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was released as Black Flowers in some English territories.

A Wall of Silence
Promotional poster
Directed by	Lita Stantic
Written by	Graciela Maglie Gabriela Massuh
Produced by	Dolly Pussi Pablo Rovito
Starring	Vanessa Redgrave Ofelia Medina Lautaro Murúa Lorenzo Quinteros Soledad Villamil
Cinematography	Félix Monti
Edited by	Juan Carlos Macías
Music by	Néstor Marconi
Release date	10 June 1993 (1993-06-10)
Running time	107 min
Countries	Argentina Mexico United Kingdom
Language	Spanish

Plot

Kate (Redgrave) is a British film director who is making a film on location in Argentina that tells the story of Silvia (Medina). Silvia is still struggling with the trauma of her husband's forced disappearance years earlier during the Dirty War. She wants to move on with her life and concentrate on her family, but she is eventually persuaded to relive her painful past.^[2]

Cast

• Vanessa Redgrave as Kate Benson
• Ofelia Medina as Silvia
• Lautaro Murúa as Bruno
• Lorenzo Quinteros
• Soledad Villamil as Ana-Laura
• André Melançon
• Julio Chávez as Julio-Patricio
• Graciela Araujo

Production

Stantic had the idea for the film as early as 1986 after an experience of working with the British actress Julie Christie on Miss Mary. Christie revealed to Stantic her personal experience of having set up her life in Argentina with the intention of discovering the recent past.^[3]

It was subsequently filmed in Buenos Aires in 1992.^[4] It is a co-production between Argentina's Aleph Producciones, Britain's Channel 4 and Mexico's Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía (IMCINE).

Reception

The film was generally well-received, proving to be a success with Argentine film critics. Although this was a period when Argentine film audiences were more enthralled with viewing politics through the gaze of melodrama and rock music.^[5] Redgrave was praised for her performance, especially for the striking similarities betweens her character and her real-life persona as supporter of sometimes unpopular minority causes.^[6]