THE MOVIE

Beginning with the statement ”the improbability of events depicted in this film is the surest indication that they did actually occur”, And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself delves into Mexican history to tell the tale of the early twentieth century revolutionary, Pancho Villa. Directed by Australian Bruce Beresford (Breaker Morant, Driving Miss Daisy, Paradise Road), and penned by Tootsie scribe Larry Gelbart, the HBO-produced made for television feature is an unassuming biography that manages to both entertain, and bring an important part of Mexican history to the masses.

Detailing the life of socialist revolutionary Pancho Villa (played by Antonio Banderas), And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself begins in 1914, as Villa is deep in a civil war with the current government. Whilst Villa is busy fighting for freedom in Mexico to little success, in Hollywood film is emerging as a popular medium, as evidenced by the work of The Mutual Film Company, owned by infamous director D.W. Griffith (Colm Feore) and businessman Harry Aitken (Jim Broadbent). Eager to raise funds for his cause, but unable to equip his followers due to an arms embargo placed on Mexico by the United States, Villa approaches the studio with a deal – he will allow them to film his crusade, if they will supply him with $25,000. Mutual agree to the agreement, and send Aitken’s nephew Frank Thayer (Eion Bailey) to Mexico to control operations. Though Frank forges a bond with the charismatic Villa, and encounters a number of interesting characters who support his cause, the resulting documentary is poorly received. Captivated by Villa, Thayer returns to Mexico to make another film based on the general, this time mixing fact with fiction in a bid to appeal to American audiences. With more money on the line, and a cast of Americans brought in to act alongside the increasingly erratic Villa, everything is staked on the new film. What eventuates as a result of Thayer’s and Villa’s actions during the second film shoot will turn out to be crucial in the course of both Mexican and Hollywood history.

Engaging, fascinating and informative, And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself succeeds in wrapping a true tale in an entertaining format. Though the premise of a biopic may sound boring to those who like their entertainment more mainstream and commercial, this film is anything but uninteresting. In a time of international warfare and mass media control, the themes of And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself are still strikingly relevant today. Further, Beresford directs the film with skill and style, allowing the story to reign supreme, and even including parts of Villa’s life that may not appeal to the faint-hearted. Staying true to its historical origins, the film is the most expensive television production ever made, with a large portion of the budget wisely used to ensure the authenticity of the combat depicted. This is aided by a strong cast who imbue the material with honesty and passion. In the title role, Banderas is in career best form as Villa, breathing life and vitality into the historic Mexican hero. As the second lead, Eion Bailey also excels, providing the perfect balance to the conflicted character of Frank Thayer. In smaller roles, Alan Arkin and Matt Day also exceed expectations, playing a mercenary and a journalist respectively. As a biopic of an amazing revolutionary and as a look inside cinematic history, And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself delivers.

THE TRANSFER

Video:

Visually picturesque, And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself demonstrates excellent production values in its visual transfer. With a sharp, crisp and clean image offered throughout, excellent shadow detail, and a perfectly measured palette of muted colours, the visual standard is high, indicative of HBO’s consistency in providing exceptional television. Further, the original ratio of 1.78:1 is employed, with an anamorphic transfer for widescreen viewers.

Audio:

Filled with a melodic Mexican score by Joseph Viterelli that charts every nuance of the feature with grace, the audio transfer is adequate for the requirements of the feature. Presented in English Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0, and a French stereo offering, the sound is correctly balanced, with all speakers on each track employed accurately. In addition, the transfer has no trace of problems with the volume levels of differing audio sources, with dialogue, score and sound effects easily discernible.

THE EXTRAS

The only special feature included on the And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself DVD is a behind the scenes featurette. Running at less than five minutes in length and featuring interviews with director Beresford and star Banderas, the featurette is unable to provide anything of substance, instead acting merely in a promotional capacity. For a film with such an interesting historical basis, something more was expected.

SUMMARY

A motivational historical account of a revolutionary hero, mixed with a look at the film-making process, And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself is an enigmatic feature. Though it may not appeal to all due to its subject matter, it is an enjoyable made for television film, with quality performances, timely direction, and themes that still hold true in the current international climate.