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In the port of Valparaiso, an old and sick marine, Don Arnaldo, lives in self-imposed exile with his son, Fatty. From his bed, he can see and control every movement in the apartment by using mirrors hung on the walls of his room.
His son, more submissive than obedient, desperately wants his freedom, but at the same time fears it. Only his feelings of guilt prevent him from recognizing how much he desires his father's death. Fatty's desire for Lucrecia, however, is obvious. A slightly older widow and neighbour, Lucrecia is equally willing - they flirt when Don Arnaldo's guard is down.
Ultimately, Lucrecia convinces Fatty to go out to the bay with her. These acts of rebellion outrage Don Arnaldo and, in an effort to regain control of his son, he plays his last card.
Based on a story by Jose Donoso, one of Chile's foremost novelists, The Moon in the Minor has been a long time coming. The original film was shot in 1984 but, as the production process was financed entirely by director Silvio Caiozzi - who had to make a living in the meantime - the film has only now been completed.
It is well worth the wait. The Moon in the Mirror captures an entire universe of emotions within the constricting walls of oppressive apartments. Three people, together but separate, seek love from each other; like "the moon in the mirror", it may only be imaginary.
Directors Note: "It is a universe of atmosphere, of friction, of characters who are always on the brink of something. The objects shown are also participants - the curtains that seem to breathe, houses that creak, furniture with sensuous shapes. It's a world in which the environment is another character..."