Most Popular Film Star In Mexican History example essay topic

351 words
One should question just why it was that Mario Moreno's film persona, Cantinflas, was the most popular film star in Mexican history. How was it that all Mexicans recognized Moreno? On what level did he relate to them all? The answer lies in his obvious charisma and the dedication he displayed.

Due to his charm Moreno was able to get Mexicans to embrace their rich mestizo heritage and begin to deal with the tremendous growing pains experienced by the maturing nation. His immense popularity allowed him to present nonsensical satires of corrupt politicians and elitists that ruled Mexico. By standing up for victims of urban poverty he offered himself up as a "weapon of the poor", a role he proudly held for more than thirty years. I liked this book for several reasons but mostly because it combined a comprehensive examination of Mexican culture with a touching biography of this unselfish performer. Pilcher allows his reader to see how a national identity was transformed in the post-revolutionary period, not only amongst Mexicans but abroad as well. He does a brilliant job of explaining how the growing pains were eased by comedic underdog Cantinflas.

Throughout the book the reader is taken step by step in the political career of Moreno. How he was able to manipulate his position in the Screen Actor's Guild and use it, as a platform to discuss political issues. I found it incredible that because of his popularity the government was forced into sustaining his countless attacks on their lack of effort concerning the poverty issue. In assessing this book's value to the class I found it to be a wonderful tool.

It was a thoughtful biography but also a well-rounded study of Mexican cinema and culture. Overall, Sherman and Meyer have the advantage, as their book is more of a narrative approach to the period in question. However, Pilcher presents a different yet important piece of the puzzle. One I think any student of Mexican history would benefit from reading..