Spain, 1792: The Inquisition rules with an iron fist and renowned artist Francisco Goya (Stellan Skarsgård) comes under suspicion for his work. Corrupt official Father Lorenzo (Javier Bardem) clears him in exchange for a portrait, but Goya's muse Inés (Natalie Portman, pictured) is tortured and imprisoned for her alleged Judaism. As Spain's fortunes are caught between Napoleonic and British forces, the fates of this unlikely trio rise and fall with surprising, and tragic, consequences.
In her dual role as Inés and also her daughter Alicia, Natalie Portman lives up to her reputation as one of Hollywood's most serious young actresses, and Javier Bardem turns in another powerful performance as the conflicted, compelling Lorenzo. But the characters are ultimately just pawns in a rapidly changing history. Director Milos Forman mixes political satire and lavish period drama in a stunningly sumptuous film that brings Goya's art to life.
Preview courtesy of Sky
Did you know? Milos Forman cast Natalie Portman after noticing her likeness to the girl in Goya's painting "Milkmaid of Bordeaux".
(3 Star)
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