Out In Town

Babel, Volver & Borat

It is an undeniable truth that the Independent Films have had a huge surge in recent years. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (a.k.a. Oscars) last year handed out some of its highest awards to this section of the industry. And among this new wave of Independent Films the Latino, and in particular the Mexican Films, are earning accolades not only in the USA but around the world as well. I will admit that not every single Mexican Film recently made is my cup of tea. However, more often than not, I find myself being extremely proud of the Mexican films that make it all the way here to LA.

This past week I caught “Babel”, the last installment of the Iñarritu-Arriaga-Prieto trilogy that started with Amores Perros and was followed by 21 Grams. Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu produced and directed the films. Guillermo Arriaga wrote the scripts. Rodrigo Prieto was in charge of the cinematography. It was a very intense movie. The script of Babel was supposed to make us see how despite our superficial differences among cultures and races we are simply human beings undergoing very similar challenges on this planet. We all seem to be seeking the same goal: happiness. I loved the contrast between countries, cultures and economic backgrounds. There is much to say in regards to what really creates the imaginary borderlines that divide nations and ultimately people. What seems to separate us, for the most part, is simply based on mistaken perceptions of what we are not willing to understand. The language as exposed on this movie, is not necessarily a barrier. I like the fact that this film ventures deeper into that reality. Adriana Borraza, the Mexican nanny, was the best and most moving performance of the film. Hats off to her! I hope she receives the recognition she deserves. And along these same lines, I can’t hardly wait to see the very acclaimed “El Laberinto del Fauno” (Pan’s Labyrinth) by Guillermo del Toro another very talented Mexican Director. This film will represent Mexico on the Foreign Film Oscar category this coming year.

I also was able to watch Almodovar’s “Volver” as part of the American Film Institute Festival (AFI) in Hollywood & Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival - LALIFF. I am not sure if this love for the seventh art – Cinema – comes with the gay territory, but the truth is that you find yourself surrounded by a lot of gay people at this festivals. Some of the most cultured people I have met are gay or super gay. They might not be the most emotionally stable persons, but they are very cultivated. Volver, a film with Penelope Cruz, left me wishing it were a little bit longer. It has the perfect balance of comedy and drama that keeps you glued to the storyline. What would you do if you had the chance to talk again to a deceased loved-one? What would you tell him/her? Or I guess most importantly, what if you die before you get a chance to resolve some pending issues? These topics are covered in a natural and very realistic sense. The importance of family support to overcome life’s adversities is well represented in this all-female Spanish family.

Lastly, I caught the controversial film “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.” A film definitely not recommended for the easily offended. After all the controversy over the government of Kazakhstan and the media, I was expecting a lot of offenses directed towards this particular nation. However, what I found was that the puns were taken at American society. The jokes about Kazakhstan and its citizens could have been made about any other part of the world. They are so outrageous that I hardly believe anyone would take them seriously. However, the puns taken at America are as hilarious as much as they are alarming. People are disgusted not by the fact that Borat has excrement bagged on his hand, but by the fact that he is friends with an African American prostitute. People praise the “supposed” tradition of shooting at homosexuals. People regret the fact that slavery has been abolished. People applaud and cheer to the wishes for Iraqi suffering and complete elimination. Sadly, a very sobering view of America! I think Borat in essence is full of Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit of Glorious Planet Earth.

Three different films. So much to think and talk about. This is exactly what the seventh art should be about.

posted by Guerrero Azteca @ 2:47 PM