Mario, the director in the movie Tango, has a story to tell. His supporters want an entertaining, mindless movie to watch, but Mario is plagued by the memories of his earlier years in Argentina. He has recently just returned to Argentina himself, and he remembers countless people who just disappeared. He remembers the refugees. He wants to make the ultimate Tango film. The usual sensual nature of the dance is seen in many parts of the film especially as he puts his feelings of loneliness for his lost love in the story line. But when he portrays the gruesome reality of Argentina's past the dance becomes very harsh and stiff. Many people are seen dying. The dance tells the story instead of words.
Light and darkness are seen throughout the movie to represent good and evil. In one scene the stage is painted half white and half dark with the dancers in all white and dark. They appeared to represent the military and the people. Several scenes showed silhouettes of the actors through a screen, contrasting light and dark.
The movie ends with the refugees finding a new home. They signify the safety they found and new life they will have by singing and dancing. A fitting way for them to celebrate as it is such a part of their culture.
Brenda Johnson
