Norberto is a shy man. He is married to Silvia, a woman who does not seem to be happy in the present situation. The problem is that Norberto cannot assert himself, he almost always ends up a loser in whatever he tries to accomplish. When he gets fired from his job, he seeks employment as a real estate agent without any success. Worst sin he makes, he decides not to inform his wife about his present status.
His boss at the real estate agency, Javier, gives him an assignment to see what he can do. Norberto is to work on commission, something that is a chance, a man of his ilk, should not even consider, but he tries his hand at it. Javier knows the problem with Norberto is his lack of confidence. With that in mind, he suggests to take a course to overcome his natural handicap if he wants to succeed.
Norberto decides to join a theatrical group. Even during classes Norberto does not appear to be making progress. Buoyed by the friendly theatrical friends, Norberto stars coming out of his shell, but Silvia, his suffering wife, has had it, walking out of their marriage. At the performance of the play the group rehearsed, Norberto finally does his part and a new person emerges before our eyes.
Directed by Daniel Hendler, the Argentine actor, long associated with Daniel Burman, is making his directorial debut with this film, shown recently on cable. It is a different kind of story in that the director, who also co-wrote the script with Alberto Rojas Apel, presents us an antihero one can like. The achievement of Mr. Hendler, who should know a thing, or two about acting, is the way he gets good results with the material which in someone else's hands could have been a total disaster.
Fernando Amaral is not exactly the kind of matinée idol who would sell a film. Yet, in his deadpan delivery, he makes the viewer identify himself with the character he is portraying. He is the loser we all want to love. Mr. Amaral carries the film by the strength of his performance because the others are basically doing supporting work. Eugenia Guerty plays Silvia, the wife and Cesar Troncoso is seen as Javier.
A new director is born.
His boss at the real estate agency, Javier, gives him an assignment to see what he can do. Norberto is to work on commission, something that is a chance, a man of his ilk, should not even consider, but he tries his hand at it. Javier knows the problem with Norberto is his lack of confidence. With that in mind, he suggests to take a course to overcome his natural handicap if he wants to succeed.
Norberto decides to join a theatrical group. Even during classes Norberto does not appear to be making progress. Buoyed by the friendly theatrical friends, Norberto stars coming out of his shell, but Silvia, his suffering wife, has had it, walking out of their marriage. At the performance of the play the group rehearsed, Norberto finally does his part and a new person emerges before our eyes.
Directed by Daniel Hendler, the Argentine actor, long associated with Daniel Burman, is making his directorial debut with this film, shown recently on cable. It is a different kind of story in that the director, who also co-wrote the script with Alberto Rojas Apel, presents us an antihero one can like. The achievement of Mr. Hendler, who should know a thing, or two about acting, is the way he gets good results with the material which in someone else's hands could have been a total disaster.
Fernando Amaral is not exactly the kind of matinée idol who would sell a film. Yet, in his deadpan delivery, he makes the viewer identify himself with the character he is portraying. He is the loser we all want to love. Mr. Amaral carries the film by the strength of his performance because the others are basically doing supporting work. Eugenia Guerty plays Silvia, the wife and Cesar Troncoso is seen as Javier.
A new director is born.
