The Golden Balls

Colour, 35mm
Spain, 1993, 93 min
Section: Tribute to Bigas Luna

Synopsis

Benito Gonzáles is the incarnation of macho, a man who was born to succeed. No one can stand in his way. His story begins in Melilla in northern Africa where Benito is doing his military service and earning a little money on the side dealing in cement. After settling in Benidormo he intends to realise a lifelong dream: he wants to build the tallest skyscraper in town. He is happy as a construction worker until his best friend steals his girl. Some years later Benito has worked his way up and is now a successful construction contractor; he never stops wanting more but always seems to get it. He’s successful with the ladies but his desire for material success always ruins everything. But things stop turning out as he’s planned and his real estate schemes even begin to affect his personal life. His quick rise is followed but an equally quick fall. He splits up with both his wife and his lover. The construction scandal forces Benito and his new lover to flee to Miami where he, now impotent, can only stand by and watch while she cheats on him.