About Wild Tales

'Wild Tales' is a 2014 Argentine-Spanish black comedy anthology film, composed of six standalone shorts. Directed by Damián Szifron, these disparate narratives are united by themes related to revenge, despair, and the inherent absurdity of life.

The first tale, 'Pasternak,' revolves around a man seeking revenge on those who wronged him. In 'The Rats,' a waitress recognizes her client as the loan shark who ruined her family. 'The Strongest' chronicles the violent road rage between two men. 'Little Bomb' shows a man fighting against a corrupt system after his car is towed. 'The Proposal' documents the desperate lengths a rich family would go to cover their son's hit-and-run accident. Finally, 'Until Death Do Us Part' portrays a wedding that spirals into chaos.

Making / Production

'Wild Tales' aimed to explore extreme, unpredictable life circumstances while commenting on social and cultural issues. It was produced by Argentine and Spanish production companies, including El Deseo, owned by the Almodóvar brothers.

Actors

• Dario Grandinetti as Salgado in 'Pasternak' demonstrates an incredible range as an actor, going from confused to horrified as the plane's destination becomes clear.
• Julieta Zylberberg as Moza in 'The Rats' gives a chilling performance of a woman torn between revenge and morality.
• Leonardo Sbaraglia as Diego in 'The Strongest' puts up an intense act portraying road rage mixed with primal instincts.
• Ricardo Darín as Simon in 'Little Bomb' perfectly captures the frustration and desperation of a man against the system.
• Erica Rivas as Roma in 'Until Death Do Us Part' masterfully portrays a woman’s breakdown and subsequent liberation at her own wedding.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• 'Wild Tales' is the highest-grossing Argentine film in history.
• Director Damián Szifron had six notebooks full of ideas for this film.
• The film took five years to make from Szifron's initial concept.

Awards

'Wild Tales' bagged several awards, including Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards, and selections for the Palme d'Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

Quotes

• "In the face of injustice, men can react in two ways: they either become cowards or go mad."
• "We're all exposed. We're all going to hell."
• "My whole life is this car. There’s no bomb."

Music, Soundtrack

• The score by Gustavo Santaolalla enhances the film’s dark humor and intense drama.
• The title track 'Relatos Salvajes' captures the eclectic energy of the film perfectly.
• The song 'Fly Me to the Moon' by Frank Sinatra features in the segment 'Pasternak.'