User Reviews

While it is metaphorical, it is a slow, plodding film in very much the wrong way that is typical of these kinds of films, only worse because what they fill the space with is so unattractive, from the people to the locations. Even when Marita is "dressed up" for a party, she looks worse than her usual self. I started skipping ahead after a point because it's just so boring and subtly distasteful.

The main character is unsympathetic because she's so hypocritical and creepy, also weird in her attractions, from inappropriately young to inappropriately old. She's a creep. The headmaster is a creep. The other teachers are creeps. Even some of the kid characters are creeps. I was wondering if there was no one in her town her own age until the party, but now I see that there was just no one attractive in that entire town.

The year is 1982. Argentina was dominated by a military junta that had failed to bring stability to the nation. The higher ups ruling the country decided to repress whoever did anything to challenge their power. As the end was near, this story takes place.

Marita, a twenty-something teacher, works in a private school that does not tolerate any deviation from the established guidelines of conduct. Marita who lives at home with her mother and grandmother, lives a solitary existence. Her whole life revolves in her daily routine of going to the school, then back to a boring life. The school is co-ed. Marita has high standards for herself, as well as those under her. She is a sticker for good behavior, not even blinking if she has to turn anyone for breaking the rules.

For the most part, the students seem well behaved. Early on, we realize the young teacher likes one of handsome teens in her class. She must pass inspection for the a dress code that includes, uniform, as well as personal grooming. We see her touch the back to the boy she likes ever so lightly, almost as though smelling his masculine scent to fill her senses.

Being discreet, Marita, shows an excellent restrain about the way she carries her duties. One day she discovers the boys' toilet, a place where some go to smoke, which is strictly prohibited. The dean of students, Biasutto, an older man, realizes Marita is sexually deprived. It becomes apparent she is a virgin. Her secret spot in one of the toilet stalls is discovered by the older man who takes advantage of a vulnerable woman, something that ends demoralizing the young teacher. Her reaction is quite unexpected. Marita summons all her courage, as she will not be defeated by the horrible man who dared abusing her. The last sequence shows a determined Marita, leaving the empty school while outside opposition factions are confronting the military in defiance.

"The Invisible Eye" directed by Diego Lerman, who adapted Martin Kohan's novel for the screen with Maria Meira, brings into focus the hard times the country was experiencing with the rigid institution that functioned as though part of the outside world. Marita is an intensive looking woman, a control freak, if you will, who has repressed her own instincts by denying herself the pleasures of the flesh. In a way, the film reminded this viewer of Michael Haneke's "The Piano Teacher", in that both women faced similar situations, but where Erika Kohut, the heroine of the French film gave vent to her own sexuality, Marita keeps her under strict control.

Julieta Zylberberg makes a magnificent impression with her Marita. There is not a false move in her performance. The actress surprises by the way she builds on her character with what appears to be a minimum of movement. One could see what is going on by just watching her eyes and facial expressions. Omar Nunez is quite impressive as the older predator who knows what he wants, going at it with a savage force that surprises the viewer.

Alvaro Gutierrez, the cinematographer, captures in dark tones the atmosphere at the school. Diego Lerman shows tremendous talent for getting impressive results from his cast and crew.