Cinema has always been a popular escape for the Mexican people, with its popularity dating back to 19th century. The Mexican Revolution was well documented in early film, as historical events provided ample subject matter for early filmmakers. Today there are many internationally acclaimed films emerging from Mexico, and countless talented actors finding fame in the global film industry.
The Early Films
Several silent films were made in Mexico, but previous to 1920 they were not well documented or cared for. Their popularity is attested simply in the number of movie salons (theaters) opened at the time. By 1906 there were 16 in Mexico City alone. Many lower class families could not afford to attend movies, so tent shows were put on in rural areas. Theatrical plays were produced, and aside from entertaining the poorer classes, the tent shows served as training grounds for aspiring film actors. By 1908 political films began making their appearance in movie houses, depicting important battles. During the Mexican Revolution, battles were filmed and shown to the public, fueling the movie business as well as national pride. In 1913 the government began to censor films, decreeing that any plot depicting crime or licentiousness could not be shown. Government representatives were paid to monitor each movie salon to ensure adherence to the rules. The resurgence of the American film industry, budgetary cuts in the cinematographic departments and the uneasy political climate in Mexico meant that very few films were made after 1920.
The Golden Age
The 1930's was the beginning of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema. Political stability was once again at hand, and cinematography took off. Hollywood did attempt to make Spanish language films aimed at the Latin American market, but failed miserably. Their mistake was in the employment of actors from non-Spanish speaking origins, thus they spoke with odd sounding accents that the Mexican film-goer did not understand. Ultimately the mistakes Hollywood made in these films fueled the Mexican film industry even more. In 1931 the first talking film was made and viewed in Mexico: Santa directed by Antonio Moreno. The 1940's saw the Mexican film industry reach its full potential. American and European film companies were focusing on the war, leaving the Mexican industry wide open. Some of the most famous Mexican actors of the time were Mario Moreno, Sara Garcia and Dolores del Rio. By 1943, 70 films had been made. In 1948 the first Mexican trilogy was produced: Nosotros los pobres, Ustedes los ricos and Pepe el toro. It tells the dramatic story of a poor carpenter, his wife and daughter and their struggle to survive in Mexico City. Iconic Mexican actor Pedro Infante stars in the films. A fourth film was expected to be made, but canceled due to the premature death of its star actor. Mexican films of this age are almost always dramatic, often a love story tainted by drama or comedic in nature. They touched on all aspects of Mexican society, from its early history to the modern day.
The Modern Age
During the 1960's and 1970's the Mexican film industry began to take on a flavor of horror and action. Many cult films were produced at this point, and gained international notoriety.
There are several American actors and directors who have made Mexico famous in film, but films made by Mexicans in Mexico have not yet made their way into American theaters. The best way to get a taste of real Mexican film, is while visiting the country. Step out beyond the resort and see a real Mexican film. There is no doubt the experience will give you insights on the people and their country.
The Early Films
Several silent films were made in Mexico, but previous to 1920 they were not well documented or cared for. Their popularity is attested simply in the number of movie salons (theaters) opened at the time. By 1906 there were 16 in Mexico City alone. Many lower class families could not afford to attend movies, so tent shows were put on in rural areas. Theatrical plays were produced, and aside from entertaining the poorer classes, the tent shows served as training grounds for aspiring film actors. By 1908 political films began making their appearance in movie houses, depicting important battles. During the Mexican Revolution, battles were filmed and shown to the public, fueling the movie business as well as national pride. In 1913 the government began to censor films, decreeing that any plot depicting crime or licentiousness could not be shown. Government representatives were paid to monitor each movie salon to ensure adherence to the rules. The resurgence of the American film industry, budgetary cuts in the cinematographic departments and the uneasy political climate in Mexico meant that very few films were made after 1920.
The Golden Age
The 1930's was the beginning of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema. Political stability was once again at hand, and cinematography took off. Hollywood did attempt to make Spanish language films aimed at the Latin American market, but failed miserably. Their mistake was in the employment of actors from non-Spanish speaking origins, thus they spoke with odd sounding accents that the Mexican film-goer did not understand. Ultimately the mistakes Hollywood made in these films fueled the Mexican film industry even more. In 1931 the first talking film was made and viewed in Mexico: Santa directed by Antonio Moreno. The 1940's saw the Mexican film industry reach its full potential. American and European film companies were focusing on the war, leaving the Mexican industry wide open. Some of the most famous Mexican actors of the time were Mario Moreno, Sara Garcia and Dolores del Rio. By 1943, 70 films had been made. In 1948 the first Mexican trilogy was produced: Nosotros los pobres, Ustedes los ricos and Pepe el toro. It tells the dramatic story of a poor carpenter, his wife and daughter and their struggle to survive in Mexico City. Iconic Mexican actor Pedro Infante stars in the films. A fourth film was expected to be made, but canceled due to the premature death of its star actor. Mexican films of this age are almost always dramatic, often a love story tainted by drama or comedic in nature. They touched on all aspects of Mexican society, from its early history to the modern day.
The Modern Age
During the 1960's and 1970's the Mexican film industry began to take on a flavor of horror and action. Many cult films were produced at this point, and gained international notoriety.
There are several American actors and directors who have made Mexico famous in film, but films made by Mexicans in Mexico have not yet made their way into American theaters. The best way to get a taste of real Mexican film, is while visiting the country. Step out beyond the resort and see a real Mexican film. There is no doubt the experience will give you insights on the people and their country.
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