Analysis Of The Depiction Of Latinos In 20th Century Film

Depiction of Latinos in 20th Century Film

Graphs Not Included

Over the course of this past century, the depictions of assimilated Latino characters has improved a great deal. Early portrayals of Latino assimilation generally proved to be a montage of unrealistic caricatures which seemed to convey the filmmaker's creativity more so than true representations. This formed the manner in which the American people at large viewed not just Latino characters attempting to assimilate, but also those who were not. As Cine-Aztlan puts it, film "manipulates the human psychology, sociology, religion, and morality of the people, in a word the ideological super-structure of modern capitalist society" (pg.275, Chicanos and Film). As the years went

With the Homeboys, the 1991 film by the late Joseph Vasquez, present the audience with two comedic yet legitimate examples of assimilated Latino men. The modern theme of assimilation in this film however, is one characterized not by the pursuit for American middle class male status, but rather the blending of Hip Hop culture (and in Vinny?s case, Italian culture) with Latino culture. Addressing Vinny?s wish to be Italian, one can simply state that he was seeking an image which would win over women. By fabricating the Italian Vinny, he was able to con girls into supporting him with physical affection and food. Although he used this Italian front to gain female acquaintances, in his heart Vinny knew he was Latino, as is evident in the scene where the police officer, a true Italian, asks him his nationality, and he hesitantly but emphatically states "I?m Puerto Rican!" This claim to his true heritage makes it easier for the audience to accept his mild identity crisis. Although some would consider him a "sell out," Davina Coard, in her final project entitled, Assimilation in Latin American Culture, argues "that no matter what he wears or how he speaks or even if he changes his name he will never be [Italian]." I agree with her assesment that total assimilation is simply not possible. Not only will society never completely accept you, but also (as is the case with Fernando/Vinny) deep down in one's heart, one knows that one is ethnic, and nothing, not even a total

I disagree with Nicolas Barquin's statement that the "evolution [of Latino portrayal in films] as being [improved] is pseudo-hypocrisy because as ideologies and views on race have advanced, representation through the film medium has remained consistent in the discrimination of Latin@s in film." Although it is true that the Anglo producer's depictions of Latinos have for the most part remained discriminatory, Latino portrayals have given the American audience more realistic portrayals to work with. Film depictions have come a long way since the early days of using white men to play Latino roles. As the years went by, and a greater understanding of Latino culture emerged, film representations of assimilation became a lot more realistic. The cultural gap between Julio Desnoyers and today?s portrayals of Latinos such as New York Undercover?s Agent Torrez is extremely wide. This is partly due to the growing power of Latinos in the film industry. Latino producers such as Joseph Vasquez have made many films (such as Hangin? with the Homeboys and Manhattan Merengue) which show Latinos in a truer light. Also, since some of today?s hottest movie stars are Latino, big time producers cannot ignore the influence which they bring to the studio. Leguizamo, Antoni Banderas, and Jeniffer Lopez are just three examples of the growing number of latin@s whose appeal and presence in