Plot Summary
Alejandro Jodorowsky, now settling into his life in Santiago, Chile, finds himself under immense pressure from his Jewish family to pursue a medical career. However, he boldly rejects their expectations and instead embarks on the path of a poet. Through his unique talent for puppet-making, he forges a connection with a man who generously offers him a studio, which becomes his first true home. In this vibrant new world, Alejandro mingles with an array of talented figures, both renowned and aspiring, including the renowned poet Nicanor Parra. Their relationship takes a turn when a misunderstanding regarding Stella Díaz Varín—the muse behind his poem “The Viper”—leads Alejandro to insult Parra.
Amidst all this, Alejandro’s close companion, Enrique Lihn, finds himself in a tumultuous relationship. After a heated argument with his girlfriend, it is Alejandro who intervenes during a moment of crisis to save her from a suicide attempt. Their encounter leads to an unexpected romance, resulting in her pregnancy. An elderly former circus performer, who once worked alongside Alejandro’s father, encourages him to reconnect with the circus—a world he embraces to laugh away his sorrows. Fortunately, Alejandro and Enrique manage to reconcile their friendship after this chaos.
Tragedy strikes when Alejandro’s parents inform him that their house has been destroyed in a fire, taking with it all his childhood mementos and cherished writings. Heartbroken, he visits the remnants of his home, taking a moment to bid farewell to his past and ponder over the person he wants to become. Seeking wisdom, he approaches Nicanor Parra at an engineering school where Parra teaches mathematics, hoping for guidance about his future. However, Parra advises against pursuing poetry, a suggestion Alejandro resolutely dismisses as he chooses to follow his own heart.
As political tides shift in Chile with rising pro-Ibáñez sentiment during his second term, Alejandro sees a new adventure on the horizon—he decides to flee to Paris in an effort to “save surrealism.” On the brink of his departure at the dock, his father attempts to drag him back into the family store, but Alejandro, in a fierce act of defiance, overcomes his father’s resistance and departs, marking the last time he ever sees him.
Timeline
Alejandro's Family Expectations
Alejandro Jodorowsky grapples with intense pressure from his Jewish family to pursue a conventional medical career. Despite their expectations, he boldly chooses to reject this path in favor of a life dedicated to poetry and art.
The Connection with Puppet-Making
Through his unique talent for puppet-making, Alejandro forges a meaningful connection with a benefactor who offers him a studio. This studio becomes his first true home, a sanctuary for his artistic pursuits.
Meeting Nicanor Parra
In his new vibrant world, Alejandro mingles with various talented figures, including the famous poet Nicanor Parra. Their relationship encounters tension due to a misunderstanding involving Stella Díaz Varín, which results in Alejandro insulting Parra.
Enrique Lihn's Crisis
Alejandro's close friend, Enrique Lihn, faces turmoil in his relationship, culminating in a heated argument with his girlfriend. During a critical moment, Alejandro steps in to prevent her from a suicide attempt, showing the depth of their friendship.
Unexpected Romance
After the crisis involving Enrique's girlfriend, an unexpected romance blooms between Alejandro and her, resulting in her pregnancy. This twist leads to complex emotional dynamics within their circle of friends.
Reconnection with the Circus
An elderly former circus performer, who had worked with Alejandro's father, inspires him to reconnect with the circus world. This encouragement gives Alejandro a chance to embrace laughter amidst his sorrows, bringing him joy.
Alejandro and Enrique Reconcile
Despite the chaos following the romantic developments and Enrique's struggles, Alejandro and Enrique manage to restore their friendship. Their bond deepens as they navigate the complexities of art and personal challenges together.
Tragic Fire
Devastation hits when Alejandro's parents inform him of a fire that has destroyed their house, taking with it all his childhood memories and cherished writings. Heartbroken, he returns to the remnants of his home to mourn and reflect on his past.
Seeking Guidance from Nicanor Parra
In search of direction, Alejandro approaches Nicanor Parra at an engineering school, wanting insights about his poetic future. Parra advises him against pursuing poetry, a counsel Alejandro vehemently rejects as he desires to follow his own passion.
Political Changes in Chile
As political sentiment in Chile shifts with rising pro-Ibáñez support, Alejandro senses an impending adventure. The changing tides ignite a longing for exploration and artistic expression beyond the confines of his current life.
Decision to Flee to Paris
Fueled by his desire to 'save surrealism', Alejandro decides to flee to Paris, marking a pivotal moment in his journey. This decision symbolizes a bold departure from familial constraints and a pursuit of artistic freedom.
Final Confrontation with His Father
On the brink of his departure at the dock, Alejandro faces a final confrontation with his father, who attempts to drag him back into the family business. In an act of fierce defiance, Alejandro resists and departs, signifying the end of their relationship.
Characters
Alejandro Jodorowsky
Alejandro is a passionate and rebellious young man torn between family obligations and his artistic aspirations. His journey is characterized by bold choices as he navigates love, friendships, and the pursuit of his dreams, ultimately embodying the spirit of a true artist seeking self-definition.
Enrique Lihn
Enrique is a close friend of Alejandro who faces his own struggles in love and life. He becomes embroiled in a tumultuous relationship that draws Alejandro into a crisis, demonstrating profound loyalty and the complexities of friendship amidst personal turmoil.
Nicanor Parra
A renowned poet, Nicanor serves as both a mentor and a harsh critic to Alejandro. His advice against pursuing poetry underscores the generational tensions between established figures and emerging artists, highlighting the challenges of following one's creative passion.
Setting
Time period
20th Century
The story unfolds during the mid-20th century, a time marked by significant political and social upheaval in Chile. It was an era when artists and intellectuals were struggling against traditional societal expectations, seeking new forms of expression amidst the tumultuous background of rising political sentiments.
Location
Santiago, Chile, Paris
Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich culture and artistic scene. It's a place where tradition and modernity coexist, making it a backdrop for stories of resilience and self-discovery. Paris, often referred to as the 'City of Light', is famous for its artistic heritage, offering inspiration for countless poets, artists, and dreamers.
Themes
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Artistic Expression
The journey of Alejandro Jodorowsky reflects the theme of artistic expression as he rejects societal norms to pursue his passion for poetry and puppetry. This exploration serves as a testament to the transformative power of art, illustrating how it can serve as both a refuge and a means of personal discovery.
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Loss and Rebirth
The theme of loss is poignantly portrayed when Alejandro's childhood home is destroyed, symbolizing a severance from his past. This loss ultimately leads to a rebirth as he navigates through grief and rediscovery, reinforcing the idea that one must confront their past to evolve and embrace their true identity.
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Cultural Awakening
Through Alejandro's decision to flee to Paris, the film encapsulates a theme of cultural awakening. It reflects on the search for artistic freedom and the desire to save surrealism, showcasing how cultural influences can shape one's identity and creative endeavors.
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