Pรฉrez-Reverte Defends Amenรกbar‘s ‘The Captive‘ as “Free โand Brave” โAmid Historical Debate
Madridโค – Authorโค Arturo Pรฉrez-Reverte hasโข publicly praised Alejandro Amenรกbar’s new film, The Captive, offering a surprisingโค endorsement as the historical drama sparks controversy over โฃits portrayal of Miguel de Cervantes and subtle exploration of the author’s sexuality. Reverte, known for his โown historically-rooted and often provocative novels, described the film as “a splendid, pleasant,โฃ well-made movie” โand lauded Amenรกbar’s vision as โค”freeโข and sincere (and very brave).”
The film, which focuses on Cervantes’ years as โคa captive โin Algiers, has already drawn criticism from conservative sectors for its nuanced approach to the literary icon.Specifically, โขthe final sceneโฃ – โdepicting a defeated protagonistโ – has been labeled “Manichean” by some. Beyondโข the historical โคadventure, The Captive โ also subtly suggests a โฃpossible homosexual side โto Cervantes, a depictionโ that is fueling debate over historical accuracy versus artistic license.
Pรฉrez-Reverte acknowledged the contentious elements, noting โขthat “twoโฃ controversial minutes will give much โto talk and not like everyone,” but firmly defended Amenรกbar’s creative choices. The author, himself no stranger to historical reinterpretation and morally complex characters like his Captain Alatriste, recognizedโค a kindred spirit in the director’s “narrative โcourage.”
In aโฃ post on his โX โaccount, โReverte recommended the film, adding that he would continue to share his opinions on contemporary fiction. When pressed forโ his favorite โfilms, he cited Rio bravo, Have, and The Game Rule as standouts.