Divertimento

A rivalry between two actors proves to have dangerous consequences in this drama from Spain. Daniel (Federico Luppi) is the star of a popular television series who is interested in more prestigious work. and longs to appear on the legitimate stage. Daniel is lobbying for the leading role in Divertimento, a well-known play that made a star of leading man Bernardo Gabler (Francisco Rabal). When Daniel pays a visit to the theater where the play is being staged, he discovers to his surprise that Bernardo is waiting for him. Bernardo is not at all eager to turn over his signature role to another actor and insists on putting Daniel through a punishing audition, which turns out to be the least of Daniel's problems when Bernardo forces him to help hide a corpse, implicating him in a murder Bernardo claims to have committed.

Directed by José García Hernández, Divertimento leans on a strong ensemble — Francisco Rabal, Federico Luppi, Pastor R. Feal — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2000.