Watch Viva

Viva is a 2007 film written, directed, produced, and edited by Anna Biller, who also stars in the lead role. The movie is a tribute to 1960s sexploitation and melodrama films, and the entire production went through a meticulous process of vintage recreation, from the costumes and sets to the film stock and music. The story follows Viva, a frustrated housewife who dreams of a more exciting life outside her suburban home. Her husband, played by Chad England, is an indifferent businessman who spends most of his time away from home, leaving Viva alone with her domestic chores and unfulfilled desires. In her search for meaning and adventure, Viva experiments with drugs, tries to seduce a neighbor, joins a hippie commune, and finally becomes a muse to an avant-garde filmmaker.

The movie draws heavily from classic exploitation and low-budget movies, especially in its portrayal of sexual and violent scenes. The characters speak in exaggerated dialogue and act in over-the-top ways, evoking a sense of camp and kitsch. The costumes, hairstyles, and makeup are also exaggerated and stylized, matching the film's retro aesthetic. However, Viva's self-awareness is what sets it apart from its predecessors - the film shows a critical reflection on the representation of women in those films, and it subverts the genre's tropes by giving voice and agency to its female protagonist.

Biller's direction is also noteworthy, as she precisely recreates the look and feel of the 1960s cinema. Every shot is composed and lit with impeccable attention to detail, and the camera movements and editing reflect the style of the era. The cinematography also incorporates various techniques such as split-screen, zooms, and Dutch angles, further adding to the film's nostalgic quality.

The acting in Viva is deliberately melodramatic, with Biller leading the way with her campy yet nuanced portrayal of Viva. Her character is complex, going through various emotional states from boredom and frustration to rebellion and empowerment. England's performance as Viva's husband is intentionally aloof and detached, adding to the film's critique of the patriarchy. Bridget Brno, as the hippie commune leader, brings some comic relief and eccentricity to the story, adding to the film's overall eccentricity.

The music in Viva is also a crucial aspect, as it recreates the songs and sounds of the late 1960s. Biller wrote and performed several of the movie's songs, which range from psychedelic rock to torch songs, giving the film an additional level of nuance and atmosphere.

Overall, Viva is a visually stunning, self-aware, and subversive homage to the sexploitation and melodramas of the 1960s. The film's attention to detail and authenticity is impressive, and its social commentary and feminist themes make it a unique addition to the genre.

Viva is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 58.