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Herod's Law -
This is a pretty good political satire that with its dark comedy and bursts of violence could be described as Coen lite. First and foremost, how bold of writer/director Luis Estrada to make it about an actual political party! It's no wonder the PRI delayed the movie’s release because unless you're someone like our "hero," Vargas, you don't exactly walk away with a favorable opinion of it. Since I don’t have much familiarity with Mexican politics, I also appreciate that the movie does a good job of being accessible to outsiders. Making the pathetic town to which Vargas is assigned a microcosm of main street Mexico helps (as does the character of Pek for being such a worthy guide to it, I might add). From the brothel to the priest who requires payment for...pretty much everything, the movie familiarized me with Mexico's political situation quickly and thankfully without being too pandering. Regardless, it provides a worthwhile study of how corruption can take root in any constituency. The performances deserve credit in this regard, especially Alcázar's as Vargas - the look on his face when the brothel owner holds money in his face will be hard to forget - as does cult director Alex Cox as the sleazy American interloper.
Despite liking quite a few things about the movie, it has issues that affected my enjoyment. I like memorable visuals in my movies, and this one's ordinary style left me starved for them. There were times when I thought it would work better as a play. Furthermore, I can't complain about the acting, but the characters are too archetypal, personality-deprived and short on depth. Estrada and company should have taken cues from The Ruling Class - which this one reminds me of - because it also has characters who personify institutions, but I remember what they're like first and what they represent second. I'm still glad I watched this, especially since I can count the number of Mexican movies I've seen on one hand. If anything, it makes me wish there were more worthy modern political satires about my country's political parties.
This is a pretty good political satire that with its dark comedy and bursts of violence could be described as Coen lite. First and foremost, how bold of writer/director Luis Estrada to make it about an actual political party! It's no wonder the PRI delayed the movie’s release because unless you're someone like our "hero," Vargas, you don't exactly walk away with a favorable opinion of it. Since I don’t have much familiarity with Mexican politics, I also appreciate that the movie does a good job of being accessible to outsiders. Making the pathetic town to which Vargas is assigned a microcosm of main street Mexico helps (as does the character of Pek for being such a worthy guide to it, I might add). From the brothel to the priest who requires payment for...pretty much everything, the movie familiarized me with Mexico's political situation quickly and thankfully without being too pandering. Regardless, it provides a worthwhile study of how corruption can take root in any constituency. The performances deserve credit in this regard, especially Alcázar's as Vargas - the look on his face when the brothel owner holds money in his face will be hard to forget - as does cult director Alex Cox as the sleazy American interloper.
Despite liking quite a few things about the movie, it has issues that affected my enjoyment. I like memorable visuals in my movies, and this one's ordinary style left me starved for them. There were times when I thought it would work better as a play. Furthermore, I can't complain about the acting, but the characters are too archetypal, personality-deprived and short on depth. Estrada and company should have taken cues from The Ruling Class - which this one reminds me of - because it also has characters who personify institutions, but I remember what they're like first and what they represent second. I'm still glad I watched this, especially since I can count the number of Mexican movies I've seen on one hand. If anything, it makes me wish there were more worthy modern political satires about my country's political parties.