Review: Motorcycle Diaries
An 8,000 mile motorcycle ride across South America with spectacular scenic views is the main offering Walter Salles' "The Motorcycle Diaries" provides. Gael Garcia Bernal stars in the biopic about famed Cuban, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, the face that launched a thousand t-shirts and posters.
"The Motorcycle Diaries" falls prey to the film cliche of describing historical figures youthful adventures and hints at why they become the person they inevitably do, while hitting a brick wall ending that leaves off the historical context and importance of Guevara's actions.
We understand Guevara is supposed to be a "man of the people" and modern folk hero, but the preachy pro-communist tone and unbalanced lack of human flaws drags the film down. Salles' develops none of the complexities presented in another popular biopic of a South American hero, "Evita."
Guevara travels with his companion, Alberto, fall short of finding real chemistry and interesting conversation that isn't purely for plot-sake. In this instance Salles' could take a note from "Thelma and Louise," another famous road-trip duo.
Two interesting, young, radical, political intellectuals with no real moment of interest in dialogue? Perhaps the character's essence and intrigue wasn't captured?
The film serves up a series of beautiful postcards of the poor and disenfranchised. A noteworthy technique of setting particular scenes to Guevara's memory is Salles' use of black and white. These memories are shown to illustrate possible reasons for Guevara's communist ideals.
Two saving graces for "The Motorcycle Diaries," include the aforementioned spectacular scenery shots of the panoramic journey, and Gael Garcia Bernal. Bernal, of "Y Tu Mama Tambien," and most recently "Bad Education," is quickly proving to be an unpredictable leading man with star quality. Bernal is consistently engaging in his performances and interesting in his role choices. Bernal works well with the script he is given, but even the most talented actor is limited with the plot of "The Motorcycle Diaries" delivers.
"The Motorcycle Diaries" flaw seems to be similar with the flaw of the masses that sport "Che" Guevara t-shirts without knowing the politics or history that lie behind the man. The film simply defines Guevara in an idealistic and simplistic light while conveniently ignoring any negative consequences Guevara may have sparked. If you can't be honest in a "diary" where can you be honest?
"The Motorcycle Diaries" falls prey to the film cliche of describing historical figures youthful adventures and hints at why they become the person they inevitably do, while hitting a brick wall ending that leaves off the historical context and importance of Guevara's actions.
We understand Guevara is supposed to be a "man of the people" and modern folk hero, but the preachy pro-communist tone and unbalanced lack of human flaws drags the film down. Salles' develops none of the complexities presented in another popular biopic of a South American hero, "Evita."
Guevara travels with his companion, Alberto, fall short of finding real chemistry and interesting conversation that isn't purely for plot-sake. In this instance Salles' could take a note from "Thelma and Louise," another famous road-trip duo.
Two interesting, young, radical, political intellectuals with no real moment of interest in dialogue? Perhaps the character's essence and intrigue wasn't captured?
The film serves up a series of beautiful postcards of the poor and disenfranchised. A noteworthy technique of setting particular scenes to Guevara's memory is Salles' use of black and white. These memories are shown to illustrate possible reasons for Guevara's communist ideals.
Two saving graces for "The Motorcycle Diaries," include the aforementioned spectacular scenery shots of the panoramic journey, and Gael Garcia Bernal. Bernal, of "Y Tu Mama Tambien," and most recently "Bad Education," is quickly proving to be an unpredictable leading man with star quality. Bernal is consistently engaging in his performances and interesting in his role choices. Bernal works well with the script he is given, but even the most talented actor is limited with the plot of "The Motorcycle Diaries" delivers.
"The Motorcycle Diaries" flaw seems to be similar with the flaw of the masses that sport "Che" Guevara t-shirts without knowing the politics or history that lie behind the man. The film simply defines Guevara in an idealistic and simplistic light while conveniently ignoring any negative consequences Guevara may have sparked. If you can't be honest in a "diary" where can you be honest?
Published by Drew Dungan
I am a lifelong resident of the Southwest. Much of my life has been focused on education. View profile
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