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Review

One of the most poetic films this year, Private Diary is a haunting journey through the inner thoughts of famed Basque photographer Pedro Usabiaga and how he translates them into male photography of exquisite beauty. It is also an intimate examination of the relationship between photographer and model. The camera follows Usabiaga as he stages fifteen shoots for his new book, each with a different model — none of them professionals but each of them dazzlingly handsome. Accompanied by a seductive soundtrack that ranges from Italian Baroque to New York jazz, Usabiaga’s voice describes his intentions for the various shoots. In each man Usabiaga sees the representation of a different emotion, which he accentuates with distinct settings. As the camera records the shoot, the video morphs into the final photograph so we can see the end results — and they are breathtaking. There’s no total nudity to distract the viewer, just an astonishing melding of words, images and music that creates a work of exceptional artistry and irresistible sensuality. (Spanish with English subtitles)

 -- Andrew Preis