On a Clever Camera in The Secret in their Eyes

The Secret in their Eyes in an Argentinean film set across two decades and involving the unsolved rape and murder of a young woman. The story is unexceptional and familiar. It has a glossy, Hollywood finish that is often missing from lower budget foreign films that receive large, international distribution. The Secret in their Eyes also beat the outstanding A Prophet (2009) and The White Ribbon (2009) to the 2010 Oscar for Best Foreign Language picture. So what makes it so good?

There are many strong aspects to this film; the performances, the humour, the dialogue, the pacing and structure, the emotion. What enhances many of these aspects is the confident camerawork and a selection of scenes reveals this. Early on, the protagonist, Benjamin collects his brilliant, but alcoholic partner, Sandoval from the bar. Benjamin must support a barely conscious Sandoval back to work; the camera hovers inches from the chest of the shorter Sandoval, looking up and swaying with him. Not only do we have the movement and complaints of a drunk squarely in our face, but we also have the authority of Benjamin, whose height reinforces his power.

Through Sandoval’s intelligence, both he and Benjamin trace the suspect, Gomez, to his passion; the Racing football stadium. From up high the camera flies through the sky approaching the stadium. As we soar down we see the game in full flow and watch a goal being scored. From the celebrations on the pitch we are thrown into the rapture of the crowd and the searching faces of Sandoval and Benjamin – all in one shot. As they search for one man amongst many we feel the hopelessness of their task, as well as the vertigo of the steep stadium seating. Miraculously they find Gomez and we follow Sandoval as he chases him through the corridors of the stadium. There are few cuts in the stadium and chase scene and the timing and movement of the camera is as impressive as the intensity of the scene.

As a result of an immoral barrister, Gomez is granted his freedom despite being discovered guilty of the violent rape and murder of an old school friend, in return for becoming a snitch. This information is given to Benjamin and his boss / lover not long after they interrogate Gomez in what is a disturbing interview for all involved, especially Benjamin’s boss, Irene. The relief that Benjamin and Irene feel at securing the capture of Gomez is cathartic. The last thing they need after the crushing disappointment of discovering Gomez has been set free is to be trapped in an elevator with a gloating and armed Gomez. The camera sits in the corner and watches Irene sweat, Benjamin try to remain cool and Gomez check his gun. The shift of power from the interrogation scene is powerful and the stillness of the camera catches all three characters in the small space that feels like it’s getting closer by the second.

There are many examples of great camerawork that could be highlighted in The Secret in their Eyes and apart from a disappointing conclusion this is a very good romantic thriller, of which there are not many.