How far is it possible to identify similar approaches to narrative and storytelling

in the films you have studied for this topic?

Intro: Introduce the idea that the films you have studied for Mexican cinema can
be seen to include similar approaches to narrative and storytelling.

P: It is possible to identify similarities in narrative themes in the Mexican films I

have studied.

E: For example, Amores Perros (Inarittu 2001), Y Tu Mama Tambien (Cuaron 2001)
and Sin Nombre (Fukanaga 2009) all utilise the narrative theme of loyalty and
disloyalty. Give examples of how each of these films show loyalty and disloyalty.

E: Explain how this theme helps to drive the narrative and provides scenes of
conflict or tension. Loyalty and disloyalty are universal themes so having this as
a narrative driving force helps make Mexican cinema relatable to an international
audience.

L: Achieving success with films that are set in Mexico and have Mexican issues at
their heart but also include universal narratives has meant the directors have
gained international popularity. This has allowed them to go on to make critically
acclaimed Hollywood films such as Gravity (Cuaron 2013) and The Revenant
(Inarittu 2015).

P: It can be seen that Mexican cinema employs similar approaches in storytelling

in that the films use scenes to shock the spectators.

E: In AP, there are graphic scenes of violence (give examples of car crash, dog
fighting and Valerias leg) and in Y Tu there are graphic sex scenes, including the
climax of the film which shows a homosexual kiss between the two male
protagonists, in SN there are violent and shocking scenes such as when Martha is
suddenly killed by cracking her head on the floor and when Willy is executed by
his former gang.

E: These shocking scenes are used to create a realistic method of storytelling.

Depicting this violence, often through the use of handheld camera work, places
the spectator right there in the action creating a visceral response to what is
being shown. The spectators The violent scenes reflect and illustrate violence in
Mexican society. Statistics on violence in Mexico, films reflect this on-going social
issue.

Similarities in plot

Similarities in the way the story is told

Similarities in narrative devices

Similarities in narrative theory

Similarities in narrative themes

Narrative endings: Neither use classic hollywood narrative

resolution (all characters in AP have ambiguous endings to their stories eg
last shot of El Chivo and in Y tu the narrator tells us they wont speak
again)

Similarities in storytelling scenes to shock the spectator AP

graphic car crash, Vs leg scenes in the hospital, dog fighting. Y Tu
graphic sex scenes

Opening of the films

Intersecting stories: different stories come together in AP different

lives joined by the car crash the stories show different aspects/lives in
Mexico

We follow the characters but the omniscient narrator provides

additional details of their lives and the lives of others so the spectator gets
a fuller, more detailed view of different aspects/lives in mexico

Similarities in narrative themes: Politics threaded through the films,

loyalty and disloyalty, dreams and the loss of these.