The daily life of a possessive romance.

A few months ago I received a DM from a cinephile friend with whom I share audiovisual tastes.

It was a reel (created by IA) where David Lynch praised the performance of Soraya Montenegro (character played by Itatí Cantoral) in the soap opera María la del Barrio.

In this Reel, Soraya with an excessive fury shouts “What are you doing kissing the cripple?...” and lashes out at everyone in the place with blows and accusations.

Lynch (AI Lynch) defines the scene as (and I quote) - “... This is not just a soap opera moment. This is transcendental horror...” - , and creates for us a fictional scenario where Frank Booth from Blue Velvet (1986) and Soraya Montenegro have an encounter in a room. “¿would they collide?” he asks.

Instantly my cinephile memories lit up and led me to sift through them in search of a male character with whom Montenegro would pair up to create my own fictional scenario reflecting love, hate and neurosis, thus generating a cocktail of bitterness and restlessness. I succeeded!

What would a relationship between Francisco Galván (Arturo de Córdova) from Luis Buñuel's film “EL” (1953) and Soraya Montenegro be like?

HE and SHE.

• 1st act:

- Damn you, damn the day I accepted your compliments. Damn you... - shouted Soraya with her eyes incandescent with hatred a few centimeters away from Francisco's face.

- Look at you, it's those compliments that led you to become who you are today... - replies “HE” taking distance from the one who a few hours ago swore eternal love to him, and now rebukes him as the culprit of all his misfortunes.

- Yes, in the most frustrated and unhappy woman in the whole world. I hate you Francisco Galván, I hate you like the worst of all my enemies, I HATE YOU! - SHE” shouted, holding her hands to her head as if the worst of fates had crushed her, as she threw herself on the bed covered with silk sheets.

Their excellent economic position allowed them to enjoy the best privileges that Mexico City had to offer.

A huge mansion, 33 servants at their service and a nine-figure bank account allowed them to enjoy a life that many long for, but only a few in the world possess.

But in their almost 6 years of marriage, unhappiness was as much a part of the home as the paint that covered it. All the spaces were clouded with a mist of expletives and violence that made the servants uncomfortable. It was well known that when the couple argued, no one was supposed to bother them, and they limited themselves to stay out of the war zone.

- Me, the one to blame for your wandering emotional state? Of your doubts, jealousies and grudges with which you have turned your life into an infertile meadow of love for yourself? That, that is what has submerged you in the dissatisfaction you hate so much and ... - “HE” exclaimed with a carefree tone while he untied the knot of his linen tie, and using his feet he untied his designer shoes.

- My jealousy, my jealousy, you conceited bastard? Disprove every one of them with which you have turned my whole life into a torment. It's you, you're the one who has locked me up in this prison of vague love and crumbs. I am nobody by your side, just the figure you adopted to trample on with your indifference and abandonment,” shouted ‘SHE’ from the bed, with a swollen face and the tears that adorned her countenance during all these usual quarrels.

The frequent social gatherings in hotels, ballrooms and country places destined for the meeting of the wealthiest families of the whole country, forced them to be part of the social life of the bourgeois elite. Where, together with old whiskies, millionaire businesses were closed, while the ladies, dressed in fine clothes, dedicated themselves to converse banalities of little interest for the common citizen.

Francisco, pointing the index finger of his right hand at her like a sword ready for a murderous thrust, approaches the edge of the bed and shouts - Take responsibility for your emotions. You have always been the insecure girl who looks for the blame outside herself. A suffocating, emotionally deprived person. And I will not allow... -

- You allow me whatever I want little man ... - interrupts “SHE” jumping from the bed like a jaguar to its prey, and pushes him with an accurate two-handed blow straight to the chest. That chest that during their carnal feasts she kissed and caressed, and reminded him of how safe she felt in his lap. Today, the perfect target to unload her disdain and worries.

- There you go... - replies “EL” recovering her stability after the attack received - ... the violent immature one who always seeks to drain her hatred against the world. Keep your composure Soraya, allow yourself to keep some dignity. -

“SHE” stands up, takes a deep breath and brings her hands to her face in order to wipe away all traces of sadness. She goes to the Louis XV style cedar dressing table, and with a firm look she preens her hair and smiles.

- You are right, I must not lower myself to the level of a narcissistic psychopath like Mr. Galván ... - he emphasizes with a mocking tone looking at the mirror, - ... I will be late for my appointment with Mr. Bolaños.

- And what need do you have to date that corrupt wretch? - asks “EL” with a curious tone.

- Business.- answers “SHE” keeping her festive and mischievous tone.

- Soraya Montenegro de Galván I strictly forbid you to meet with that traitorous rat Bolaños. - Do I have to remind you that thanks to him we lost the properties and investments of all of Jalisco? -

- For God's sake, Francisco, not everything is money...” he replies, placing a ruby necklace around his neck, the cost of which exceeds the minimum wage of any regular worker by millions. - Besides, these are not the kind of deals we are going to agree on. -

Thoughts piled up in Francisco's mind. A whirlpool of emotions began to boil like an erupting volcano. It became impossible for him to maintain control, and he lashed out with all sorts of orders and expletives.

- Don't even think of playing with me Soraya. If for you this can be a valid card justifying the need you have to regain emotional control, let me tell you that you are taking a path from which you will have no return ... - “He” threatens shouting without the slightest interest in retaining the anger that overwhelms him. - Your steps, actions and even your looks are under my dominion. Even the air you breathe belongs to me. So, get ready, we are going to “El Dorado” . - .

Satisfied, Soraya takes a few minutes to bask in her victory. The joy she felt at bringing Francisco to his most primitive state pleased her. Upright she stares at him, and with a grimace on her crimson lips she replies - Ok, I'll wait for you in the car. - .

• 2nd act:

The lobby of the Hotel Valle Dorado welcomes a smiling married couple. Upon entering, a large room with hardwood floors and white decorations reflected the countenances of the upper class from all over Mexico. The Galvan couple was quickly accosted by guests and slipped into the crowd.
 

From a distance, submerged between drinks, Francisco watches as Soraya, between laughter and subtle touches to the elbow, converses with Ricardo Pliego and other guests. He knew that all this interaction was impertinent. Behind closed doors, he despised Pliego for his arrogance.

When “EL” joined the group, the topic of conversion was the tragic plane crash where 167 people lost their lives. Pliego comments - Natural selection. Those who cannot afford private airplanes take these risks and must assume the consequences even if it costs their lives. At the end of the day, how much benefit can it be for those who have always lived in misery to see the world... - , a comment that caused laughter and looks of approval among those who were able to hear him.

Francisco, not caring the slightest judgment for the discourtesy, asks permission and with a firm grip takes Soraya by the arm and they move away from the group. They retreat to one of the many luxury suites set up for the guests, where after a tug “SHE” breaks free and takes a few steps away.

- No doubt class has always been too big for you Francisco. You can't even keep your sanity even when you know you're making a fool of yourself. -

- I know very well your games with which you break into my thoughts and torment my judgment. It is not about how much control I can have over them, this is limited to how much damage you cause me by acting that way,” comments ‘EL’ taking firm steps into Soraya's personal space.

- But it was you who decided to come to this gala. You know very well that... -

- Enough, Soraya, ENOUGH! - shouts “EL” clenching his fists trying to contain the anger generated by his cynicism. - You rejoice at the suffering I feel when I see you sharing laughter with them. -

- With them and with whomever Francisco. Admit it, if it were up to you, you would have me living in a trunk. Or in a tomb to be more precise. - SHE” replies, turning her back to him to hide a wicked smile.

- At least there you would really be mine. Dissected on my window sill, always awaiting my return. Wearing that black dress with which I met you, and that today I remember as the cannibalistic misfortune of my soul. - . How difficult it was for Francisco to immerse himself in these memories. His drooping shoulders and elongated countenance reflected a defeated man.

SHE”, perceiving the purple aura that ‘HE’ reflected, walked straight into his arms, and after a long kiss on his cheeks, she answered - ”I am only yours, my love. I am Soraya Montenegro de Galván, and that is what I will always be - and taking him by the arm they leave the room, cross the living room without saying goodbye to anyone and leave.

• 3rd act:

After hours of unbridled passion “HE” kisses her, wraps his arms around her and heads to the bathroom.

After a few minutes the phone rings and “SHE” answers. On the other end of the intercom, after a short pause a female voice asks for Francisco.

A stare into nothingness and sparkling eyes is the scene that greets him as he returns to the bedroom …

Coméntame qué tal te pareció este romance sorbido que estos dos neuróticos personajes me inspiraron, y si gustas puedes apoyarme con un LIKE para seguir creando contenido. Gracias.