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Codex Atanicus. Spain 1995 - 1999 (2008). Directed by Carlos Atanes

Underground / indie director Carlos Atanes introduces the viewer to his strange world with compilation DVD Codex Atanicus. Three short films include Metaminds & Metabodies (1995), Morfing (1996) and Welcome to Spain (1999).

Metaminds & Metabodies looks like a surreal play and let's face it - I can't tell what is really happening in this film, that looks like Jodorowsky on steroids (mixed with alcohol & acid). The nightmarish tale set in (some kind of) Hell makes you uneasy with it and really brings the memorable moments, but in the end, Metaminds & Metabodies is weakest link of these three bizarre shorts.

Morfing on the other hand, takes an ironic look at the world of Atanes himself. Hilarious situations, dark black humour and unexpected twists makes Morfing a winner. The actress wants to meet her biggest idol, Carlos Atanes and goes into strange adventure which ends up in... a first bukkake scene in non-pornographic movie. How about that. Jaume Balagueró, Nacho Cerdà and José María Nunes act here as themselves.

Welcome to Spain doesn't probably mean that. The Spain in the world of Atanes is one freaky place, where the hell breaks loose already at the airport. The man returns to Spain after getting tired of other countries, but his father warns that his home country has changed a lot. I understood this short film as a criticism towards Spanish society, but then again, every one can understand Atanes' films very differently. The disturbing end scene is not fun to watch, but hey - it even shouldn't be.

Carlos Atanes seems to be an uncompromising director, who doesn't take the easy way out. That is the big part (along with the bunch of great actors and actresses) of extraordinary feel that gushes from Atanes' intriguing low-budget or no-budget films. Even the grainy image of video camera fits perfectly into the bizarre imagery. There are no holds barred, so you have been warned.

Check out also the website www.carlosatanes.com.