El Jockey is a gripping and emotionally charged exploration of identity, freedom, and the toll of ambition. Set against the backdrop of horse racing and underground subcultures, the film tells the story of Remo Manfredini, a jockey grappling with inner turmoil, fractured relationships, and the cost of chasing dreams.

Recap

A Complex Protagonist

Remo Manfredini is introduced as a highly skilled but troubled jockey whose life is unraveling. His complicated relationship with Sirena, his boss and rescuer, is central to the narrative. Sirena, also known as Rubén, saved Remo from the underground racing world, where he raced under the name “Dolores.” Sirena is both a mentor and a controlling force in Remo’s life, blurring the lines between protector and oppressor.

Remo’s girlfriend, Abril, is a fellow jockey who is pregnant with their child. This adds a layer of tension, as Abril faces the difficult decision of balancing her career aspirations with impending motherhood.

A Shocking Injury

During a crucial race, Remo suffers a severe head injury that sends him spiraling into confusion and instability. His hospital stay is short-lived, as he escapes into the city, stealing clothes and wandering aimlessly. This sequence highlights his fragile mental state, as the police begin a manhunt and Sirena’s frustrations escalate.

Transformation in Prison

Remo is eventually captured and imprisoned. While incarcerated, he adopts the name “Lola” or “Dolores,” signaling a potential embrace of an identity that may have always been part of him. This shift in identity, combined with his vulnerability, draws the attention of the prison director, who recognizes his talent and coerces him into participating in underground races.

Abril’s Tragedy

Meanwhile, Abril loses the baby, compounding the film’s themes of loss and sacrifice. Her storyline underscores the emotional costs of their shared world and raises questions about the impact of ambition and personal choices.

Ending Explained

A Dreamlike Final Race

The film’s ending blurs the line between reality and fantasy. In a surreal final sequence, Remo/Lola participates in a race that features both a horse and a motorcycle. The combination of these elements creates a dreamlike atmosphere, leaving the audience to question whether the race is real or a hallucination.

This ambiguity reflects the character’s fractured mental state and their struggle to reconcile their identity. The race itself could symbolize freedom, a return to their roots, or a descent back into the chaos of underground racing.

Themes of Identity and Freedom

The ending suggests that Remo/Lola’s journey is circular. Despite Sirena’s earlier efforts to pull them out of the underground world, they seem destined to return to it. This could represent a tragic failure to escape their past or a form of liberation, as they embrace their true self.

The recurring metaphor of horses and their longing for freedom is particularly poignant. Just as horses were domesticated despite their speed and strength, Remo/Lola struggles with being “tamed” by societal and personal expectations.

Musical and Narrative Ambiguity

Music plays a key role in the film, with its eclectic soundtrack mirroring the fluidity of the narrative. Traditional tango pieces evoke the cultural roots of the story, while electronic music adds a modern, almost otherworldly quality. This blend reinforces the film’s temporal ambiguity, where past and present, reality and fantasy, coexist seamlessly.

Interpretations

1. Tragedy: If viewed through a tragic lens, the film depicts Remo/Lola as a character unable to break free from a cycle of exploitation and self-destruction. Sirena’s dual role as savior and oppressor reflects the broader theme of how power can corrupt even the most well-meaning relationships.
2. Liberation: Alternatively, the ending can be seen as a story of self-acceptance and liberation. By reclaiming the name “Dolores” and engaging in underground racing on their own terms, Remo/Lola might be embracing their identity and finding freedom in a world that accepts their true self.

Overall:

El Jockey is a haunting and multifaceted film that defies easy categorization. Its non-linear, dreamlike structure mirrors the complexities of its protagonist’s journey, making it a deeply introspective exploration of identity, freedom, and the costs of ambition.

The ambiguous ending leaves viewers with more questions than answers, encouraging multiple interpretations and emotional resonance. Whether seen as a tragedy or a story of liberation, the film captures the beauty and pain of a life lived at full gallop, much like the horses it so poetically parallels.

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