EL MARIACHI (1992) ** Robert Rodriguez does an excellent job of creating the feel of Mexico, replete with descent into technology-age western gimmickry at the expense of realer things. The sweeping shots lingering on items of interest, the mournful, hopeful hues; the open sky...I never saw such gangsters when I was there but I'm sure they exist. Of course the worst of all is a gringo, of which I also have no doubt. So, whatever problems there are lie within the cast and script. None of the actors really do much for me-Reinol Martinez comes closest as the badass Mexican cholo who doesn't care if you live or die if you're in his way, but his willingness to participate in his closing scenes (absolutely absurd-any gangster who would put himself there on purpose wouldn't be running anything, from jail or anywhere else) limits his credibility. So there are a lot of characters, but it's all about Rodriguez. All kinds of characters get bloody but the saddest parts are those covered up by encroaching Yanqui culture. There is plenty of humour and sorrow, but none of it is anywhere near as strong as unregulated mezcal.
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