‘Sorry’: Logbook

In addition to being a filmmaker who knows how to grasp social protest, in a more dramatic tone as in ‘Los lunes al sol’ and in another more satirical one as in ‘El buen patrón’; Fernando León de Aranoa has proven to be a remarkable documentary filmmaker. He was able to portray the irruption of Podemos into national politics with a certain distance with ‘Politics, an instruction manual’. Now, the Madrid director presents a preview of ‘Sentiendo lo mucho’, the most personal film on the life and work of Joaquín Sabinapremiered at the 70th San Sebastian Film Festival.

‘Sentiendo lo mucho’ portrays Sabina’s life over the span of 14 yearswhich implies that the documentary is a summary that borders on fifteen years, allowing us to see the evolution of the songwriter and poet, from his tours in America, Mexico or Argentina, to his desire to be a prophet in his city , Úbeda, trying to experience some kind of back to basics, something the tape shows hasn’t been easy. León de Aranoa had full access to the singer’s life through his tours and concerts, showing what happens behind the scenes. What is fascinating is that Sabina does not seem to look for any filter, leaving it to the editing of the film and the artistic decision of León de Aranoa.

This allows us to see a very personal film, which will fascinate the followers of the songwriter.which shows how, with age, he has become more like his father, a police inspector but a poet at home and in private, avenging him and also showing his desire to rediscover his roots. He also leaves an interesting reflection on the attraction of toxic relationships, how these passions are ideal for artistic inspiration and how they should stay in that area. There are also moments that other artists would not show, such as their drunken revelry or private concerts. Alike, The personal ties of Sabina are shown, highlighting that of Pancho Veronahis closest collaborator and with whom he has just started a controversy, given that Verona will not accompany Sabina on her international tour which she is preparing for next year and whose relationship is reflected in another way in the film.

León de Aranoa portrays Joaquín Sabina with an intimate film with which he pays tribute

Precisely, The film has the privilege of telling Sabina’s evolution over these 14 years, how she faces old age and how her spirit tries to fight, while being aware of the importance of having a certain point of measure. In this sense, León de Arona knows how to grasp the passage of time, he does it in a subtle way, recalling, once again, the freedom that the artist himself has given him when it comes to entering his life. The result is a production that allows us to get to know the songwriter from another perspective.while reinforcing one’s opinion of him, as he will captivate his staunchest followers and confirm their prejudices to those who are sceptical.

León de Arona has the advantage of being a meticulous documentary filmmaker, he knows what he wants to tell and how to do it. The Madrid-born filmmaker takes advantage of the creative freedom that Sabina has granted him, signing a fascinating and tremendously intimate documentary. Sabina without filters, for better or for worse. She sure will be one of the titles with more options to arrive in the race for the best documentary feature at the Goya Awards 2023.

Note: 7

The best: Being able to see Sabina’s image without filters and with full creative freedom.

Worse: It is appreciated that it is not a typical documentary of statements and intimacy that León de Aranoa captures, but it lacks a greater cinematic ambition and, above all, that delves into the reflections of the singer-songwriter, who never leaves his comfort zone.