CASSONDRO-Bio Film of Gay Wrestler Saul Armendariz with Gael Garcia Bernal

CASSONDRO is a scripted bio pic on the life of Saul Armendariz, a gay wrestler whose rise to fame took the rigid, anti-gay, macho wrestling world in Mexico down to the mat with his over the top, ingratiating pizazz and perseverance.  The makings for a riveting film including international star, Gael Garcia Bernal in the lead role for this colorful character in within an eccentric entertainment sport.  The film has the look of an art house film and the fighting scenes sparkle with drama and acrobatics.  I have to offer up a few jabs at the film which felt emotionally repressed.  Saul as Cassandro only came alive only in the ring or when he was with his married lover.  Saul was forced to keep this relationship secret for fear of losing it   Perhaps, the choice was to play the character as a showman whose persona is what animates them.  And, having to live in the shadows of his lover's wife and family kept him under wraps.  Gerardo, Saul's lover told him he didn't like hearing him talked about Cassandro as if he was real.  Saul and his mother had a close relationship but that too was burdened by his mother's rejection by his father who had a wife and family.  His mother put much of the blame for her lover's abandonment on Saul because of his homosexuality. Saul never seemed to feel shame about being gay, in fact her seemed comfortable in his own skin.  Later in life after Saul has gained fame, he meets with his father.  The scene had no resounding impact or resolution and fell flat.  I did like that the movie didn't strive to make itself into a Rocky hero tale but I'm torn not having grasped a wallop in the norms of gay acceptance.  Overall it's wonderfully filmed and acted buck lacking in a continual cinematic charisma.  Cassandro was the only wrestler who never donned a mask with his flagrant costumes.  In everyday life, Saul wasn't hidden behind a facade so much as his lived his life in a quiet and non-confrontational manner.  I needed more energy, more oomph, more zeal, to recommend this film despite its star power and incandescent cinematography. It bounces off and on the ropes but never lands a knockout.  It misses packed with elusive appeal.