The Impossible Language

The Impossible Language (El idioma imposible) is a 2010 Spanish drama film directed by Rodrigo Rodero from a screenplay by Rodero and Michel Gaztambide based on the novel by Francisco Casavella which stars Andrés Gertrúdix, Irene Escolar, and Helena Miquel.

Plot
Set in 1980 in El Raval, the plot follows drug dealer Fernando, who comes across self-destructive and heroin-addicted Elsa, whom with he enters a relationship. Fascinated by her, Fernando abandons her nonetheless and begins a relationship with artist Victoria.

Production
The screenplay was penned by Michel Gaztambide and Rodrigo Rodero. It adapts Francisco Casavella's novel El idioma imposible, part of the book trilogy El día del Watusi. The film is a Skapada Films, Irusoin, Pato Films, Marela Films, and Encanta Films production, with backing from ETB, TV3, ICAA, and Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha. Shooting locations included Barcelona, Girona, and Madrid.

Release
The film was presented at the Málaga Film Festival on 20 April 2010. Distributed by Barton Films, it was released theatrically in Spain on 26 November 2010.

Reception
Jonathan Holland of Variety deemed The Impossible Language to be "a striking if uneven first film for Rodrigo Rodero", with a "quietly seductive" "blend of grunge and lyricism".