Alberto Vázquez’s ‘Decorado’ Premieres at Tallinn, Exploring a Dystopian Mouse’s Existential Stage

Spanish animation maestro Alberto Vázquez has unveiled his latest feature. “Decorado” world premiered at Fantastic Fest in Austin. It now screens in the Just Anime section of the Tallinn Black Nights Festival. The festival runs from November 7 to 23 in Estonia.

The film continues Vázquez’s tradition of dark, socially charged fables. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it follows a mouse named Arnold in existential crisis. He believes his colorful world is an unreal film set controlled by a megacorporation.

A Collage of Influences From Disney to Dystopia

Vázquez cites clear creative inspirations. He nods to classic animation like Looney Tunes and Mary Blair’s Disney work. The surface appears charming and innocent. Yet something strange and unsettling lurks beneath.

The story’s core is profoundly dystopian. It draws from Orwell’s “1984” and Huxley’s “Brave New World.” References to “The Truman Show” are also evident. Vázquez mixes this with absurd, dark humor akin to filmmaker Luis Buñuel.

He describes his process simply. He takes all these influences and puts them in a box. He shakes it, and “Decorado” comes out.

Animated Fables as Mirrors for Modern Anxiety

The director uses animal fables for universal metaphor. Anthropomorphic creatures don’t belong to one nation or time. This allows broader audience identification. Anyone can project themselves into the story.

“Decorado” directly reflects contemporary societal crises. Vázquez mentions hyperconnectivity and social media. He points to superficial relationships and AI‘s blurring of reality. Many people feel they are performing on a stage, much like Arnold.

The film tackles dark themes head-on. It examines corporate power, media control, and mental health. It shows characters medicating to be happy or facing job loss. An almighty corporation called ALMA controls everything.

Thought you’d like to know

What is ‘Decorado’ about?

It follows Arnold, a middle-aged mouse. He suspects his vibrant world is a fake film set. He rebels against the society controlled by the almighty ALMA corporation.

Who directed ‘Decorado’?

The film is directed by Alberto Vázquez. He is the Spanish creator behind award-winning features like “Birdboy: The Forgotten Children” and “Unicorn Wars.”

What are the main themes of the film?

The film explores existential crisis and constructed reality. It critiques ultracapitalism, surveillance, and superficial relationships. It is a statement for genuine friendship and love.

Where can I see ‘Decorado’?

It premiered at Fantastic Fest and plays at Tallinn Black Nights Festival in November. Further international festival and distribution plans are expected to follow.

Why does Vázquez use animals in his stories?

He says fables allow metaphorical talk about society. Animals are universal in animation and free from a fixed national identity. This opens the story for wider interpretation.

What is the tone of the film?

The tone mixes absurd dark humor with dystopian drama. It is visually charming yet deeply unsettling. It asks big questions but offers few easy answers.