CINEMATINEE- JULY 2008
A potpourri of movies, past and present, often with an emphasis on life in the west - which could mean the new west, the old west, or anything in between- and ‘movies that missed us’- films that are notable but never had a lot of publicity- the CineMatinee series is designed to show area residents that film is a form of art as well as entertainment! At least one film a month for this series has a ‘New Mexico Connection’, drawing from the vast pool of movies made in the state or perhaps featuring a star/story from New Mexico talent.
Unless otherwise noted, screening time is 1.30 PM, and admission is $4 for everyone except film society members who are admitted for $1. The theatre is located one half block of the Mesilla Plaza. For more information, please call 524-8287 or 522-0286.
July 26- The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982, 104 minutes, rated PG, made in New Mexico)-
Originally developed at Robert Redford's esteemed Sundance Institute, and based on a book by noted author, Americo Paredes, The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez recounts one of the most famous manhunts in Texas history. Gregorio Cortez, a San Antonio cowboy, was arrested in 1901 in a case of mistaken identity. Because no one could properly translate into Spanish for him, Cortez fought back and accidentally slew a sheriff in what today might be deemed self-defense. Director Robert M. Young takes us on an 11-day manhunt as Cortez hightails it for Mexico, pursued by 600 Texas Rangers and a small army of others, none of whom can catch the mercurial fugitive.
The press made him a hero, but he turned himself in (after escaping several traps) when he learned that his family had been arrested and were being held as prisoners. Young uses flashbacks to present varying accounts of what happened. The original courthouse and jail where Cortez was held and tried lend authenticity to the setting, and the film provides a compelling historical representation of what life must have been like in the Southwest at the turn of the century, especially for Hispanic citizens.
Director Young adds poignancy—derived from the fact that, despite his rich Mexican heritage, the alien Anglo culture forces Cortez to become an immigrant and speak a language that needs translation.
Young, however, wanted to resonate a broader meaning than this particular incident. With a carefully balanced treatment, his goal was to chronicle the prevalent racism, but also, as he said, "a system of law makes us better people than we might be." Cinematography and a soundtrack with a tense undertone add to the atmosphere of this story, which has also been recounted in corrido (Mexican ballad) form.
