| Overall Grade: |
B |
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| Story: |
B |
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| Acting: |
B |
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| Direction: |
B |
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| Visuals: |
B |
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A Story about Denial and Being Heard
by J (movies profile)
Jul 13, 2007
8
of
9 people found this review helpful
"Quinceanera" opens at a party for someone other than the protagonist of the story. We don't even get a good look at Magdalena until she dances with a boy we later learn is her boyfriend. Up to then, she has been on the fringe of the action, much like her biblical namesake.
There are many bifurcated shots in this movie. In one, Herman, sitting on a park bench, is talking to Magdalena who is not even in view of the camera. The division is startling. In another, Carlos learns of his Tio Tomas's death, and we see only him through a doorway facing a voice announcing the passing. The effect is unsettling, and I think it has something to do with the idea of denial. When we deny events, information, or even our selves, we are cut off. We are separated and un-whole.
To me, "Quinceanera" is about that denial and ultimately being heard.
I was greatly surprised by the level of acting in this movie. Emily Rios comes across like any other surly, un-self-assured teenager that I know. She quite naturally demonstrates that ungainly time in our lives when we are trying to figure out which way is up and whether or not we want to go that way.
Jesse Garcia was instantly convincing as the toughened cholo who deeply loves his Tio Tomas and shows his ability to hear Magdalena's truth through all the other's lies. His relationship with the landlords, James and Gary, is suffused with healthy sexuality just on the verge of explosion. Carlos is at once a young man indoctrinated in a culture of machismo demanding certain responses to events while at the same time he searches for a tender yet rollicking-good-time roll in the hay.
The cast is very good. Magdalena's parents are sufficiently steeped in their world. Aunt Eileen and Uncle Walter give a good contrast to the religious austerity of Magdalena's home. There is the trio of aunties who provide a good laugh at the party. And, Chalo Gonzalez is perfectly delightful to watch as Tio Tomas. He is entirely loveable. (Oh yes, all the gay men are sufficiently gay, not a difficult thing to drum up in Southern California.)
Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmorland put together a superb screenplay. The action never lulls, and events pile on top of events in a succession that builds at a proper pace. The dialogue was natural and interesting.
I cannot finish without mentioning the FABulous art direction of the production. Denise Hudson and Jonah Markowitz assembled the various locations with great care and to great effect. Tio Tomas's garden and shrine were breathtaking. Give that shrine to an art museum, please. It was gorgeous. |
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