Mexican Cinema [Paperback]

Paulo Antonio Paranagua (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0851705162 | ISBN-13: 978-0851705163 | Publication Date: April 1, 1996

This is the first English-language survey and analysis of Mexican cinema.
Featuring essays by the most authoritative scholars, the book considers the Mexican work of Luis Buñuel, the dramas of Felipe Cazals and Arturo Ripstein, the melodramas of "El Indio" Emilio Fernandez and Roberto Gavaldon, the contemporary international success of Jaime Humberto Hermosillo and much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A mine of information and interpretations, it is a worthy response to a challenging and fascinating subject." -- Vertigo --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

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Product Details

• Paperback: 331 pages
• Publisher: British Film Institute (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851705162
• ISBN-13: 978-0851705163
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,294,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Film Industry down south, June 29, 2004

By 

Enrique Torres "Rico" (San Diegotitlan, Califas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Mexican Cinema (Paperback)

An absolutely fascinating and comprehensive exploration of Mexican cinema from it's inception worthy of any International film buffs library. The book is a bit scholary in parts but overall it is not difficult to follow although by the very nature of the subject a bit esoteric. Let's face it, most Americans have never heard of most of the films discussed or the history of the development of film in Mexico. The book is well written and researched meticulously. The organization of the book is very good and helps the reader understand methodically how Mexico came to have one of the vital cinema machines in Latin America. The contributors to this book are some of the best writers and film historians Mexico has produced. Included is social critic Carlos Monsivais who writes several essays with his unique insights into Mexican culture. Other notable contributors include Paulo Antonio Paranagud, Ana M. Lopez and Tomas Perez Turrent. The essays are extremely interesting with provocative titles like "Ten Reasons to Love or Hate Mexican Cinema" and "All the People Came and Did Not Fit onto the Screen." The book begins with a chronicle of events in Mexico paralled by events in cinema for background information. This is like a brief Mexican history with cinema side notes. The impact of the Mexican Revolution is fully chronicled. Beginning with the first movies, which were documentaries, the book then delves full on into the History, progressing with the silent cinema, the origins of sound cinema and the renovation of movies in Mexico. The book continues with explorations of the studios, early major movies("Rancho Grande"), the comedies(Cantinflas, Tin Tan etc), heartthrobs(Maria Felix,Dolores Del Rio, Katy Hurtado, Pedro Armendariz, Pedro Infante etc.) and the reflection of the Mexican spirit and it's monster shadow north of the border in image-making Hollywood. The various genres of film are examined and an outstanding look at some of the most important directors including Emilio "El Indio" Fernandez, Roberto Gavaldon, Luis Bunuel, Leduc, Ripstein and others. The various movies that had societal clout are put under the microscope with discussion on the their impact. There are some beautiful black and white photographs that are essentially stills from the major motion pictures. The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema( cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa is thoroughly examined. Also included is a fillm dictionary with descriptions and details on some of the major movies(150) dating back to 1919 and concluding with several 1994 productions. There is also data on the film-makers which includes the major actors and actresses with short biographies and film credits.A superb book that is good reading especially if you have interest in the movies of Mexico that is valuable after intial reading for reference. This is a masterful examination of Mexico's political, social and cultural history in the twentieth century and how it relates to film. Highly recommended for International film buffs or people interested in the movies of Mexico.