COMEDY, DRAMA AND A WEIRD NAME

The extensive use of audiovisuals (particularly short films) is inadvertently becoming Peak Me’s trademark. We love films, in the first place. And, secondly, who wouldn’t feel like watching a good story? Drama, comedy, thriller, whatever suits you best… Let’s face it, doing exercises on subjunctive or prepositions of place might be boring, but what about enjoying a film over the week-end? Also, good short films leave you wanting for more. And, more importantly, they keep you in touch with Spanish. Only a Spanish friend, job or lover could do so.

Here’s a short film by one of our favourite film makers. Manuela Burló Moreno. A moving, funny and a bit sad, encounter of a “choni” (chavette) and a conventional young translator at a bus stop. Most of her stories follow this pattern: two people striking up a conversation or discussing some trifle which leads to something bigger. Great dialogues (not very easy for Spanish learners, but don’t worry, it’s subtitled), and a wise combination of comedy and drama. Curiously, Burló, also an actress, is also starring this short film, entitled “Dolores”.

A comment on the title: “Dolores” means “pains”, which is certainly a weird name for a girl. Strangely enough, there used to be such names in Spanish, due to the catholic tradition: Anunciación, Soledad (solitude), Sagrario (Sanctuary)… and yes, Martirio (martyrdom!).  Now they are extremely rare and sound really old-fashioned, replaced by more discreet ones, some with a hipster, new-age, but certainly more joyful touch: Alba, Lucía, Nerea, Íker, Daniel, Sergio, David… It’s a matter of taste, and, being forced to live with our name, we all end up loving it, don’t we? By the way, the nickname for “Dolores” is Lola, which now has become practically international.

Now the serious bit. Here are some questions for intermediate Spanish learners, if you’d like to try:

• ¿Qué le apetece de repente a Dolores?
• ¿Qué le dice su amiga Lourdes?
• ¿Qué le dice el chico a Dolores?
• ¿Qué le pasa a Dolores?
• ¿Qué le parece su nombre?
• ¿Qué hace José en la parada?
• ¿En qué trabaja?
• ¿Qué le pregunta Dolores?
• ¿En qué trabaja ella?
• ¿Por qué no le cuenta su sueño a José?
• ¿Qué ocurre al final?

We hope you enjoy it!

Video “Dolores”.