The 323-minute documentary “Life of Jorge Luis Borges,” directed by Mariano Llínas, offers an unconventional portrait of the renowned Argentine author, diverging from traditional biographical formats. Llínas embraces a labyrinthine structure, reflecting Borges’s themes while playfully dissecting his literary contributions, particularly from his famed collections, “Fictions” and “The Aleph.” Instead of adhering to a strict narrative, the film presents an investigative and often humorous exploration through rich cinematic techniques, magnifying Borges’s texts and engaging with their meanings.
The documentary features an interplay between Llínas as a playful Watson and archivist Ernesto Montequín as a Holmes figure, effectively debunking myths surrounding Borges’s life, such as the misattribution of childhood drawings of tigers. It presents a psychogeographical narrative tied to significant locations of Borges’s life, with eerie music heightening suspense. Llínas navigates Borges’s complex personality, showcasing aspects of his romantic pursuits and addressing his controversial remarks on race later in life.
The film comprises 26 chapters, organized alphabetically, emphasizing Borges’s lasting literary impact despite his later focus on poetry. Llínas’s unique approach to filmmaking, with unconventional framing and focus techniques, mirrors Borges’s intricate relationship with cinema. Ultimately, the documentary appeals primarily to dedicated Borges enthusiasts, as it combines charm and wit while inviting viewers to explore their engagement with the author’s multifaceted legacy.
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