subject: The Mexican Revolution On Film Part 3 [print this page] The movie industry, such as it was, during the period of the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1929, had few resources with which to practice its craft. There was initial interest in the industry, as evidenced by the fact that several movie houses opened in large Mexican cities, but interest waned. The end of the revolution marked the beginning of a Golden Age of Cinema for the nation, and by the mid nineteen-thirties, films that showcased the rebellion were even being released.
Hollywood had already had a few films released about the Mexican Revolution, and a trend had emerged early on: a focus on the general of the Northern Army, Francisco 'Pancho' Villa. Known for his charisma, adept recruitment ability, violent tactics, and uneasy truces, the reformed bandit was one of the most infamous figures from the initial years of the fighting.. he was cast as a rogue in early films that featured him, but he was still an admired figure somewhat.
The Mexican film 'Let's Go with Pancho Villa', however, took a different route. Released in 1936, it told the story of six friends who decide to join the general in the Revolution, but come to regret it. Conscious of the brutality of civil war, they discover that Francisco is uncaring about any human life except his own; willingly sacrificing his men without remorse.. Domingo Soler took the titular role, and the movie was written and directed by Fernando de Fuentes, considered one of the best directors in Mexico's history.
A massive cast, plus a lot of locations and complicated scenes, were endemic to the 'super-production' and film 'Let's Go'. It bankrupted the studio which financed it, and flopped when it was released. However, interest in the film was increased when it resurfaced several decades later, and scholars and audiences alike praised the technical prowess as well the the unique approach to its subject matter.
For all of the films made about Pancho Villa, 'Let's Go' stood apart because it portrayed him as a villain. The 1936 production stood steadfast in its opinion that the Revolution was not something to be romanticized, as many people seemed to believe: the Revolution was cruel and violent, and its famous Northern General was a brutal thug, rather than a national hero. It's now considered one of the best Mexican films ever made, and presents a clear point of view about the real consequences of civil war and guerrilla military leadership.
