Portabella's documentary about Spain's transition from fascism under Franco to liberal democracy remains a work that is interesting and appealing from multiple perspectives. Exploring subjects like human rights, democracy, and power dynamics, it shows us not only the actions and reactions around this transition, but it also makes abundantly clear just how repressed Spanish society was before it.
The style of "Informe general" is undeniably experimental: scenes showing the horrors committed by Franco's regime are contrasted with discussions on, for example, the ideal way for unions to wield political power. We hear reflections on the consequences of the Spanish Civil War (such as exile) and the massive impact that these had on the people who lived through it. Scenes like these are intercut with stunning images of Spain, including a very intense sequence in the ruins of the old town of Belchite.
It remains a work of immense historical significance. While some of the conversations in the documentary shown can be quite esoteric, they offer a vital insight into the myriad of ways in which Spanish society was affected by the fundamental changes the country was going through, and how it dealt with the trauma it had sustained before the transition.
The style of "Informe general" is undeniably experimental: scenes showing the horrors committed by Franco's regime are contrasted with discussions on, for example, the ideal way for unions to wield political power. We hear reflections on the consequences of the Spanish Civil War (such as exile) and the massive impact that these had on the people who lived through it. Scenes like these are intercut with stunning images of Spain, including a very intense sequence in the ruins of the old town of Belchite.
It remains a work of immense historical significance. While some of the conversations in the documentary shown can be quite esoteric, they offer a vital insight into the myriad of ways in which Spanish society was affected by the fundamental changes the country was going through, and how it dealt with the trauma it had sustained before the transition.
