The ‘Golden Age’ of Mexican cinema, was during the 1940’s, when movie stars, such as Pedro Infante and Delores Del Rio came to prominence, captivating native audiences. Consequently, there was a high demand from an enthusiastic movie-going public and the Mexican Film Institute (IMCINE) produced a series of successful movies.
Despite the local popularity at the time, Mexican cinema was not strongly embraced by International audiences, receiving only minor recognition. This was a trend that was to continue into the latter half of the 20th Century, contributing to the gradual decline of Mexican cinema, to the point of contempt from those who once celebrated it.
Nuevo Cine Mexicano (New Mexican Cinema) were the words of the 1990’s, that offered a ripple of hope to the fading industry. Ambitious and visionary directors, such as Alfonso Cuarón, Arturo Ripstein and Alfonso Arau, breathed new life into Mexican cinema’s stale conventions with their innovative ideas and unique styles. Noteable examples of this new movement are Como agua para chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate) (1992) and Sexo, pudor y lágrimas (Sex, Shame and Tears) (1999), both of which were well received by the Latin American public. As the 20th Century came to an end, it appeared that Mexican cinema was finally on the incline again.
In addition to what has already been discussed, it is important to acknowledge the achievements of other Mexicans working in cinema. The most prominent figure is actress Salma Hayek, who has firmly established herself as a huge star in Hollywood and has recently expanded her influence by branching out into producing. Also, a further mention for Diego Luna is appropriate, as he has built a big reputation for himself since Y tu mamá también, working with Kevin Costner, Salma Hayek and Steven Spielberg in the process. In the field of cinematography, Emmanuel Lubezki, Guillermo Navarro and Rodrigo Prieto have all distinguished themselves as proficient craftsmen, contributing to a multitude of hugely successful movies and gaining international recognition as a result.
Overall, the obvious wealth of talent has raised the profile of Mexico, as a nation, throughout the entire world and established IMCINE on the international stage. Also, the numerous forthcoming projects announced by Mexico’s recent pioneers, should ensure a bright future for Mexican produced cinema and Mexicans in world cinema.
The arrival of the new millenium proved this was not a false dawn, as it stirred the ripple of cautious hope into a wave of excitement, that flooded Hollywood and continued, unrelenting, to Europe. The reason for the excitement was Amores Perros (Love’s a Bitch) (2000), the movie which heralded the beginning of a Mexican revolution, that would prove to be far reaching in its scope.
Alejandro González Iñárritu Babel (2006) will be joined in the challenge by his compatriots Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo Del Toro, as both enjoyed success in 2006 with their respective projects Children of Men (2006) and El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan’s Labyrinth) (2006).
In addition to what has already been discussed, it is important to acknowledge the achievements of other Mexicans working in cinema. The most prominent figure is actress Salma Hayek, who has firmly established herself as a huge star in Hollywood and has recently expanded her influence by branching out into producing. Also, a further mention for Diego Luna is appropriate, as he has built a big reputation for himself since Y tu mamá también, working with Kevin Costner, Salma Hayek and Steven Spielberg in the process. In the field of cinematography, Emmanuel Lubezki, Guillermo Navarro and Rodrigo Prieto have all distinguished themselves as proficient craftsmen, contributing to a multitude of hugely successful movies and gaining international recognition as a result.
Overall, the obvious wealth of talent has raised the profile of Mexico, as a nation, throughout the entire world and established IMCINE on the international stage. Also, the numerous forthcoming projects announced by Mexico’s recent pioneers, should ensure a bright future for Mexican produced cinema and Mexicans in world cinema.
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