Today’s quick review: El Mariachi. A traveling musician (Carlos Gallardo) ends up in the middle of a gang war when he gets mistaken for Azul (Reinol Martinez), a local crime boss out for revenge against Moco (Peter Marquardt), his treacherous former partner. With Moco’s men scouring the city for a man matching his description, the musician seeks shelter with Domino (Consuelo Gomez), a bar owner who takes a liking to him.
El Mariachi is a crime drama written and directed by Robert Rodriguez. El Mariachi follows an aspiring mariachi as he arrives in a new city, looking for work. What he finds instead is violence, and he’s forced to rely on luck, determination, and the kindness of a stranger to stay alive. The movie makes the most of its minimal budget, with interesting conflicts and a clear directorial voice. However, its limited scope won’t appeal to everyone.
El Mariachi accomplishes quite a bit with the resources at its disposal. The premise is simple, a case of mistaken identity that kicks off a series of close calls for the film’s innocent protagonist. The film focuses more on peril than action, and while its plot is serious in nature, it squeezes in a bit of absurd comedy that gives it some flavor. The finishing touch that helps set the movie apart is Robert Rodriguez’s close, personal cinematography.
Even so, El Mariachi has less substance than other films in the same vein. The title character has his hands full trying to survive, keeping him in a passive role for most of the film. He does contribute somewhat to the film’s drama, but not as much as if he were more personally involved in the story. Likewise, the conflict between Moco and Azul leads to some interesting individual encounters but never comes together the way it should.
El Mariachi is worth a watch if you’re interested in a pared-down crime drama with a distinctive style. Though not as overtly impressive as the best films in the genre, solid craftsmanship and a promising setup make it a fine pick for those who are curious. Those hoping for something with richer drama, a more intricate plot, or a more uplifting tone should give it a pass.
For another minimalistic crime drama with a more elaborate plot and a more brooding atmosphere, try Blood Simple. For a crime comedy with a sharper script and a complicated plot, try Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. For a crime comedy about an innocent man dragged into a turf war due to a case of mistaken identity, try Lucky Number Slevin. For a darker, more captivating movie about a loner thrust into a violent situation, try Drive.
6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for attentive cinematography and a decent plot.