The title of this Spanish black comedy is not a typo. The mispronunciation is literally said in the dialogue of the film. And, since it is a comedy about murder, the title somewhat fits.

This film is quite compelling and interesting at the beginning. We meet an interesting protagonist in Rafael (Guillermo Toldeo), a department store manager and grand womanizer who is about to get a big promotion. But soon the film delves into the realms of the unreal with accidental murder, dismemberment and blackmail overtaking the comedy to make the film much darker.

The real find here is Monica Cervera as Lourdes, an ugly duckling without any hopes of snaring a man who soon finds a way to entrap Rafael. The film may delve into the depths of an absurdist black comedy at times but Cervera's adept performance and keen sneer keeps the film from falling into the totally unbelievable.

While "El Crimen Ferpecto" isn't the best film to be seen this year, it is certainly a successful black comedy, a genre that is becoming harder and harder to realize as the years go by and audiences become more and more jaded.

Notes:

In Spanish with subtitles.

The film was nominated for several Goya awards, the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars.

The film debuted at Toronto in September of 2004. The Spanish release came one month later. Released in the U.S. in August of 2005.

Viewed in September of 2005 on a DVD provided by The Dobie and the distributor.

Report Card

Script: B+

Acting: A+

Cinematography\Lighting: B+

Special Effects\Make Up: A+

Music: C

Final Grade: A-