Pop Culture Reviews

If you’ve never heard of the artist Francisco Goya you’re not alone. Goya’s Ghosts is directed by Milos Forman and stars the wonderful Skellan Skarsgard as Goya, Natalie Portman as his muse Ines and Javier Bardem as the manipulative and corrupted Father Lorenzo. It’s a movie told from Goya’s perspective and portrays Goya as a lonely but talented artist who falls victim to the injustices of the time at the hands of men who commit horrendous acts in the name of religion.

Goya’s Ghosts produces a solid cast including stellar performances from Bardem, Skarsgard and Portman who work magnificently together onscreen. It’s a touching story of a talented artist living in a tumultuous time who struggles to come to grips with the loss of his hearing and a world corrupted by religious tyrants and tragic women.

It’s nice to see Natalie Portman in another period piece after seeing her brilliant performance in The Other Boleyn Girl aside Scarlett Johansson and Eric Bana. I was also impressed with Javier Bardem’s portrayal of the deceitful Father Lorenzo – he seems almost too sincere in his corruptive nature.