There is a moment, towards the end of the Movistar + documentary series, in which Raphael asks, always very polite, to change the subject. It changes. This decision has been consistent with what we find in the four hours that ‘Raphaelism’ lasts.
There is no place for tragedies, for the morbid, to delve into the personal life of Rafael Martos. As responsible for the documentary, Charlie Arnaiz and Alberto Ortega they are clear that they want to navigate in calm waters, without straying too far from shore, in this tribute to the artist’s career, which has been on stage for six decades.
Which is curious because, in fact, it breaks that promise to see “¿cWhat is it like in short distances? What is Raphael like when the lights go out and he faces his fears? “. Something that let us see that we were going to witness something else than a luminous tale of success and influence. It’s not like that.
Brushing with praise
Nor was he asking for a maelstrom of dirty laundry around the figure (we cannot forget that it is a documentary “authorized” and blessed by Raphael) but yes i was expecting a little less superficiality or going off on a tangent when it comes to tackling the less polite questions.
That it is not that he does not treat them: in the footage there is room to talk about the various accusations he has received throughout his life (if his homosexuality, his alleged political affiliations, etc.) or his serious problem with alcohol that ended up with the singer needing a new liver. But the documentary (Raphael, rather) marks the limit. Up to this point.
It is difficult, considering that it is a similar and recent work, not to compare a little with ‘Lola’. The documentary of Israel del Santo gives off a freshness and a vibrant celebration in its (also) tribute to the Pharaoh. In ‘Raphaelism’ the tone is much more solemn (and given to praise) in exploring how an artist is built.
This distinction is welcome and it does not prevent us from enjoying enough accompanying in the songs, the concert recordings and programs and odysseys on one side of the singer’s pond. In short, ‘Raphaelismo’ celebrates the life of Raphael in a light and friendly documentary. A gift for both fans and those who are not.