About Dos Monjes

Dos Monjes is a 1934 Mexican film directed by Juan Bustillo Oro. The film is a religious horror drama, known for its unique narrative structure and gothic cinematography. The story unfolds as two monks in a monastery recount their own versions of a shared tragic past, exhibiting a surrealistic psychological study of guilt and redemption.

Making / Production

Produced under the aegis of Mexico's burgeoning national cinema, the film was directed by one of Mexico's renowned filmmakers of the time, Juan Bustillo Oro. The director utilized a doppelganger motif and gothic iconography, marking it as an innovative example of early sound cinema in Mexico.

Actors

• Víctor Urruchúa as Juan - Playing the role of a troubled monk, Urruchúa skillfully portrays the depth and complexity of his character's remorse and suffering.
• Carlos Villatoro as Javier - Villatoro impressively plays a figure tormented by the mental discord arising from his past actions.
• Magda Haller as Ana - Haller beautifully depicts Ana as the symbol of innocence and the object of both monks' affection.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Dos Monjes is one of the first films to employ expressionist techniques in Mexican cinema.
• It is also recognized for its innovative use of sound and music to reinforce its narrative and psychological exploration.

Quotes

• "The past is never dead. It's not even past." - Javier
• "Only through penance can we find salvation." - Juan

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's haunting organ music was composed by Antonio Díaz Conde. The soundtrack greatly contributes to the gloomy and eerie atmosphere of the movie.
• The choral pieces serve as a backdrop to the spiritual turmoil experienced by the characters.