The movie “Dos billetes” (2009) directed by Javier Serrano is an attempt to revive the noir genre in Spanish cinema. The plot revolves around detective Carlos Alvarez, who gets an assignment to follow the wife of a businessman. However, the routine case quickly turns into a tangle of intrigue and danger.
History of the movie
Javier Serrano, previously known for his short works, made his feature film debut with “Dos billetes”. The movie was produced under the auspices of Producciones Scarlata and released in 2009.
Plot and Characters
The protagonist, Detective Carlos Alvarez (Tony Martinez), has an old-fashioned approach to his work. His assignment to follow a businessman’s wife turns into a series of unexpected events, including the murder of a client and the reappearance of former lover Gloria (Monica Pont). The plot becomes more complicated when Carlos is targeted and interrogated by the police in an attempt to uncover the truth.
The cast
The movie features an experienced cast of actors.
Fernando Guillen as Zamora.
Manuel de Blas as Beltran.
Javier Elorriaga as Robles.
Jose Manuel Cervino as Granados.
Cinematography
Cinematographer Ivan Rodriguez sought to capture the atmosphere of classic noir through the use of contrasting shadows and muted tones, creating a tense and mysterious environment.
Critical Reviews and Ratings
The movie has received mixed reviews. On IMDb, its score is 7.2 out of 10. However, on other platforms such as AllMovie, the scores were less favorable.
Box Office and Popularity
Box office figures for the movie are limited. According to some sources, Dos billetes grossed over €2.5 million at the Spanish box office, which is a moderate success for an independent film.
Conclusion
“Dos billetes” is an interesting attempt to revive elements of classic noir in contemporary Spanish cinema. Despite some flaws in the script and realization, the film may be of interest to fans of the genre and those who appreciate atmospheric detective stories.