La Naturaleza Contradictoria de las Peliculas Hechas en Mexico Sobre la Revolucion Mexicana

Abstract

This investigation analyzes eleven movies made in Mexico about the 1910 Revolution and identifies contradictory elements that allow the films to portray and propagate conservative social and political structures while championing the revolutionary movement and its non-conservative ideals. By endorsing heroic patriarchal figures and structures, reinforcing machismo, and simplifying the ideals and reasons for fighting held by historical figures, the films manage to establish conservative practices while celebrating the revolutionary movement. What follows is a detailed analysis of a number of movies made throughout a fifty year timeline (1934 – 1973). These include El compadre Mendoza (1934), El tesoro de Pancho Villa (1935), Vámonos con Pancho Villa (1936), Los de abajo (1940), Flor silvestre (1943), Si Adelita se fuera con otro (1948), Así era Pancho Villa (1957), La Cucaracha (1959), La soldadera (1967), Caballo prieto azabache (La tumba de Villa) (1968), and Reed, México insurgente (1973).While all three techniques mentioned above do not appear in every movie, at least two of these contradictory methods are visible in each. The consistent reappearance of these techniques creates questions regarding the various social and political reasons for which these contradictions continue to be incorporated into the movie and the reasons for their continued acceptance by the culture. A possible future project that will help to answer these questions is discussed in the conclusion.