Tony Manero

Santiago de Chile, 1978. In the midst of the tough social context of Pinochet’s dictatorship, Raúl Peralta, a man in his fifties, is obsessed with the idea of impersonating Tony Manero, John Travolta’s character in Saturday Night Fever. Raúl leads a small group of dancers regularly performing at a bar located in the outskirts of the city. Every Saturday evening, he unleashes his passion for the film’s music by imitating his idol. His dream of being recognized as a successful showbiz star is about to become a reality when the national television announces a Tony Manero impersonating contest. His urge to reproduce his idol’s likeness drives him to commit a series of crimes and thefts. In the meantime, his dancing partners, who are involved in underground activities against the regime, are persecuted by the government’s secret police. Tony Manero is a story about loss of identity and obsession in the recent Chilean history.

Brazil Chile
'
2008

Director
Pablo Larraín

Script
Alfredo Castro
Mateo Iribarren
Pablo Larraín

Cinematography
Sergio Armstrong

Editing
Andrea Chignoli

Production
Fable

Cast
Alfredo Castro
Amparo Noguera
Elsa poblete
Hector Morales
Paola Lattus

Awards
Best Actor
Fipresci Award Torino Best Actor Cinemanila
Special Jury Prize Warsaw Best Film

Festivals
19th Festival on Wheels
COUNTRY: CHILE