There’s a recurring trait found in too many local documentaries of the last few years: despite the rich material they focus on, the film itself doesn’t do full justice to its potential. In the case of Las aspas del molino, written and directed by Daniel Espinoza García, the main problem is a somewhat loose narrative which has a hard time at eliciting deep notions about its theme. That and a certain lack of dramatic progression turn it into a descriptive feature rather than an explorative one.
It’s a film about the history and stories, past and present, associated to the traditional and once-thriving Confitería El Molino, a landmark in the cultural and architectural life of Buenos Aires, which was shut down in 1997, the same year it was declared a National Historic Monument and exactly 80 years after it was created by Italian architect Francisco Gianotti.
Located on the corner of Callao and Rivadavia, in front of the National Congress, the Confitería El Molino is a superb example of the best Art Nouveau — its decorative windmill sails can be seen from a mile away. It used to be a very popular meeting point for highly renowned cultural and political figures. Among the many visitors were politician Lisandro de la Torre, actresses Niní Marshall and Libertad Lamarque, singer Madonna, tango legend Carlos Gardel and equally legendary Peronist leader Eva Perón too. Plus many ordinary porteños as well.
Since it was shut down, both the building and the coffee shop have been in very bad shape. Neither the private owners nor any public administration have been truly interested in making it shine once again. Judging from the facts and testimonies in Las aspas del molino, the scenario would be the exact opposite. And even though it’s illegal, some apartments in the building are out for rent today. In fact, the filmmaker himself used to live in one when he first came to Buenos Aires from Chile to go to film school here. Now some other students live there with modest means. In stark contrast, a posh old lady in a very lavish apartment also inhabits the famous building.
The filmmaker provides interesting testimonies, particularly those of an architect and a philosopher. To a certain degree, their takes on the matter are enlightening and help understand the many aspects involved. Other opinions, of the students who lived and live there, are also of some interest. Yet from a narrative point of view, there’s not much of a strong thesis about the material. For a panoramic view and for the purpose of learning the basics, Las aspas del molino does quite well indeed. It’s informative enough as it covers many fronts. Just bear in mind that what you see at first sight is basically all there is.
