Carlos Saura (1932–2023) was one of Spain’s most celebrated and prolific directors. He is known for films that offer social and political commentary and use allegory to explore Spanish identity. He was encouraged to pursue a career in cinema by his older brother, Antonio Saura, whose large-scale painting “Portrait of Mari” is in the Meadows Museum’s permanent collection. In 2023, just one day after his death, Carlos Saura received an honorary Goya award in recognition of his contribution to modern Spanish cinema. This fall the Meadows Museum is proud to collaborate with Dallas Film to present three outstanding works by this great director.

This month:
Goya en Burdeos (Goya in Bordeaux), 1999
Spanish with English subtitles | 106 minutes | Rated R
Spanish artist Francisco Goya (1746–1828), deaf and ill, lives the last years of his life in voluntary exile in Bordeaux in protest of the oppressive rule of King Ferdinand VII. In flashbacks stirred by conversations with his daughter Rosario, terrible headaches, and diminished capacities due to age, Goya relives key moments in his life, including his artistic development and his relationship with the Duchess of Alba. Throughout the film, Goya’s reflections become the tableaux of his paintings. “Goya en Burdeos” unravels the mysteries of an artist and genius who never abandoned his deep concern for his country and for his people. The film won five categories at the 14th Goya Awards, including Best Actor for Francisco Rabal.

$5; free for members at the Goya/Individual level and up and SMU students