My Big Night 2016
Directed by
Álex de la Iglesia
Made by
Breaking Glass Pictures
Plot Summary
José finds himself thrust into an unusual situation as he is dispatched by the employment agency to serve as an extra in a New Year’s Eve television special filmed months ahead of time in an industrial pavilion on the outskirts of Madrid. This decision leaves his mother, Dolores, an elderly woman clinging to a large crucifix she removed from her husband’s grave, all alone at home. José steps in to fill the role of another extra who tragically lost his life in an accident involving a production crane during rehearsals.
Trapped in the chaotic set environment, hundreds of extras like him repeatedly go through the motions of rehearsals, offering applause for performances they cannot even witness, all while celebrating the fabricated arrival of the new year. As the festivities unfold, José begins to develop feelings for his dinner companion, Paloma, a woman whose life seems to be marked by bad luck. Their budding connection elicits laughter and amusement from their tablemates, which include Antonio, Yanire, and Josua. However, tensions are escalating tumultuously behind the scenes.
At one end of the spectrum, the seasoned and cutthroat crooner Alphonso finds himself at odds with the young, vibrant Latin pop star Adanne, fiercely determined not to let anyone else outshine him. Meanwhile, Yuri, who is rumored to be Alphonso’s adopted son and the object of his harsh treatment, has taken a drastic step by hiring an assassin named Óscar to eliminate Alphonso. In a bizarre twist, a so-called fan has managed to acquire a vial of Adanne’s semen, wielding it for blackmail.
Simultaneously, the two co-hosts of the show, the dysfunctional couple Roberto and Cristina, are embroiled in their own battle, incessantly bickering while vying for the trust of the beleaguered producer Benítez, who is acutely aware of the channel’s precarious struggle to stay afloat. Amidst this pandemonium, Rosa and Amparo, the members of the mobile control unit, observe from a distance, striving to salvage the chaotic television shoot. The behind-the-scenes drama is not just immense but intricate, merging personal conflicts with professional stakes in a whirlwind of emotions and hilarity.
Timeline
José's Assignment
José is dispatched by an employment agency to serve as an extra in a New Year's Eve television special. This strange opportunity sets him on a path filled with unexpected events, as he takes over the role of another extra who tragically died in an accident.
Dolores at Home
José's departure leaves his elderly mother, Dolores, alone at home, clinging to a large crucifix she removed from her husband's grave. This poignant moment highlights the emotional weight of José's absence for his mother.
Rehearsals Begin
At the industrial pavilion, hundreds of extras participate in chaotic rehearsals, repeatedly applauding performances they cannot see. This surreal atmosphere showcases the absurdity and monotony of the production process.
José Meets Paloma
During a dinner break, José develops feelings for Paloma, a woman marked by her own bad luck. Their interactions bring laughter and light-heartedness, contrasting the tensions brewing around them.
Tensions Rise Among Performers
A fierce rivalry ignites between the seasoned crooner Alphonso and the young pop star Adanne. Their conflict threatens to overshadow the New Year's celebration, as both vie for the spotlight and recognition.
Yuri's Dangerous Decision
Yuri, rumored to be Alphonso's adopted son, pushes the boundaries when he hires an assassin named Óscar to eliminate Alphonso. This drastic measure illustrates the depths of personal betrayal and desperation in a pressure-filled environment.
Blackmail Scheme Unfolds
In a bizarre twist, a so-called fan manages to acquire a vial of Adanne's semen, using it as a tool for blackmail. This bizarre scandal adds another layer of chaos to the already tumultuous production.
Roberto and Cristina's Dispute
Behind the scenes, co-hosts Roberto and Cristina engage in relentless bickering, fighting for the approval of the stressed producer Benítez. Their dysfunctional relationship adds to the heightened tensions of the show.
Benítez's Dilemma
Producer Benítez is acutely aware of the channel’s precarious struggle to stay afloat. His efforts to manage the chaos while securing the show’s future highlight the professional stakes at play.
Mobile Control Unit Observes
Rosa and Amparo, part of the mobile control unit, observe the chaos from a distance. Their attempts to monitor the situation reflect the complexities of managing a live production amidst intense personal and professional issues.
Unruly New Year's Celebration
The fabricated festivities for the New Year continue, blurring the lines between reality and manufactured celebration. Amidst the rehearsals, the disconnect between the performers' lives and the show’s narrative becomes more pronounced.
Emotional Climax
As tensions boil over, the cast faces a critical turning point, forcing them to confront their rivalries and relationships. The emotional stakes intensify as personal conflicts intermingle with the professional chaos.
Revelation and Resolution
Amidst the chaos, crucial revelations come to light, altering the relationships among the characters. This moment brings a blend of humor and poignancy, reminding them of the importance of their connections.
The Show Must Go On
Despite the ups and downs, the New Year's Eve special aims to go off without a hitch. The determination of the participants showcases their resilience, ready to embrace whatever the night brings.
Characters
José
José is an extra who unexpectedly finds himself at the center of a chaotic television shoot on New Year's Eve. His compassionate nature compels him to look after his mother while also pursuing a connection with Paloma, showcasing his thoughtful yet somewhat naive disposition.
Paloma
Paloma represents the bittersweet charm of love and adversity. With a background marked by misfortune, her relationship with José brings forth a glimmer of hope against a backdrop of chaotic celebrations, revealing her resilience and desire for companionship.
Alphonso
Alphonso is a seasoned crooner at the pinnacle of fame, driven by a fierce need to remain in the spotlight. His cutthroat nature creates tension with younger stars like Adanne, illustrating the pressures of maintaining celebrity status and the lengths people will go to for attention.
Adanne
Adanne is a young, vibrant Latin pop star determined to carve out her own legacy. Her dynamic presence challenges the established order, but she also faces her own vulnerabilities, making her both a formidable talent and an underdog in the competitive music scene.
Setting
Time period
New Year's Eve
The movie occurs during the celebrations leading up to New Year's Eve, a period marked by festivities, reflection, and anticipation for the future. This time imbues the characters' lives with both hope and the weight of unfulfilled desires.
Location
Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant life. The film takes place in an industrial pavilion on the outskirts, which symbolizes the contrast between the glamorous world of television and the reality of the extras working behind the scenes.
Themes
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Identity
My Big Night explores themes of identity as characters navigate their roles both on and off the set. The extras, like José, often find themselves lost in their scripted lives, highlighting the universal struggle of defining oneself amidst chaos.
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Love and Loneliness
The budding romance between José and Paloma underscores the theme of love amidst loneliness. Both characters are seeking connection in a tumultuous environment, illustrating how love can flourish in unexpected places even during difficult times.
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Chaos of Performance
The film portrays the chaos behind the scenes of a television special, contrasting the polished performances with the real-life dramas that unfold. It reflects on how appearances can be deceiving, showcasing the struggles of both the characters and production staff.
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