The film, “Que Viva Mexico”, was an interesting film that challenges the way we see the mexican indegenous culture. Throughout the film we see several examples of religion and the mexican culture. For example, in the beginning of the film we see how the gods, and statues portray the indegenous culture but at the same time we see how the spanish culture is reflected. Like in the bullfighting or when the men crawl on their knees for miles to get to pyramids to reach the Virgin of Guadalupe.
What caught my attention the most was seeing the women work just as hard as the men. Their goal was to work hard to earn gold coins for their necklace. The wedding was also unique and different. It was respectful and honoring. It made you appreciate it much more. The way they dressed, danced, prayed, and even the way they walked. You can see here how mexican culture and religion is portrayed. There is a combination of both.
I think what Eisenstein wanted to portray is that mexicans were well organized and their beliefs shaped them just like everyone else. He is showing us that Mexico can also be a modern well developed country. Take their art for example. It can be appreciated because the film begins with the pyramids and statues. Something that they created. What we see, all the statues, “fiestas”, workers, and other events are a story. A story that these people are just as civilized as anybody else.
Although Eisenstein wasn’t able to see finish the film or edit it the way he might’ve intended too…I think his film still captures the history, culture, and religous effects of Mexico and its mestizaje.
