Surrealism on Horseback: Luis Ortega’s ‘El Jokey’ at Venice Film Festival

‘El Jokey,’ directed by Luis Ortega, premiered at the Venice Film Festival, offering a surreal and darkly comedic look at the life of Remo Manfredini, a legendary jockey battling addiction. Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s quote about the ‘magical surprise of finding a lion in a closet,’ Ortega’s film blends noir elements with a touch of absurdity. The film follows Manfredini’s descent into a world of drugs, alcohol, and personal turmoil. With its vibrant visuals, jarring transitions, and dreamlike sequences, ‘El Jokey’ explores the complexities of identity, addiction, and the consequences of self-destruction. While the film’s narrative jumps between reality and fantasy, Ortega’s signature style delivers a visually arresting and thought-provoking exploration of a man grappling with his demons.