CHILEANS SAY NO
In 1988, General Augusto Pinochet, having been urged by the United States to hold a referendum on his continued rule according to the film No, opens the political arena for a 27-day campaign. Exactly 15 minutes are accorded to both sides on television each night. The result is that Pinochet is rejected in a close vote for an eight-year term and resigns as president. Directed by Pablo Lorraín, the film portrays the advertising campaigns to get the vote out. Although some attention is devoted to the Yes vote (for Pinochet’s continued rule), most of the focus is on how a shrewd ad executive, René Saavedra (played by Gael García Bernal), prevails over leftist ideologues to develop a sophisticated message to attract No votes. The film is based on the unpublished play El Plebiscito, written by Antonia Skármet, but some involved in the No campaign have completely disavowed the accuracy of the film. Nevertheless, those interested in political advertising will be enlightened by viewing the film and will find the musical elements enjoyable. MH