Microbudget Films: El Alambrista
The layman’s perception of the mystical martial arts of the Lucha Libre seems to be that they are silly men in masks who put on a pretty neat acrobatics show, but, to those of us in the know, Lucha Libre is one of the most honorable vocations that a true man can take on. To be a Lucha Libre one must achieve brahmavidya, there must be a direct connection with the universe and all things weaved within it.
El Alambrista is a movie about not selling out, and not being anyone’s ho-ho. The story itself is nothing special, it has it’s moments, but it serves the same purpose as the average Dragon Ball Z story, that is, it is just an excuse for some awesome, back-breaking beat downs. That is not a complaint, however, as I have often enjoyed story-less gore fests like The Story of Ricky.
The movie’s sense of humor is, sadly, pretty dry, but some of the actors, such as Julio Garcia, really get into their roles and steal their scenes, injecting a little humor into the proceedings.
Most of the technical work here is great, the sound, somehow, was wonderful, the color palette was well-chosen, and the locations were perfect. However, the editing was a bit jumpy, it seemed like there was a cut every five seconds or so. This technique can sometimes be applied effectively to a film to speed up the pace, such as in Dark City, but it becomes jarring here. The editing in the wrestling scenes is so jumpy, in fact, that it seems like scenes are too disconnected, leaving me a bit confused until one man is declared the winner. Sometimes, though, the editing does properly showcase the acrobatics of the Lucha Libre dudes as they throw eachother around the ring.
The best thing about this movie, though, is that, even without understanding Spanish, you could follow this movie without subtitles. Not to say that the story is overly simplistic, this movie actually just effectively communicates it’s story visually.
I did respect this movie’s moxie, and I really enjoyed the ending. My only true gripe is that it could have used a few more jokes.
I enjoyed myself.
Interview with Alfonso Sahagun Casaus:
Microbudget Films [MF] How long did it take you to make ‘El Alambrista’ and how did you fund the production?
Alfonso Sahagun Casaus [AC] The film took me and the cast about two and half years to complete. I lucked out because the cast worked for free. My biggest expense was post production computer stuff and sound effects. All the cash came out of my pocket but I have some cool friends that lent me a camera and computer.
[MF] How long have you been involved with film production and what kind of future do you see for yourself in it?
[AC] I have been working on no budget films with my friend Angelo Lopes for about eleven years. I work in local tv as a cameraman so that is where I learned to shoot. I think I can have a career in film if I can just come up with a budget, every filmmakers handicap. I am not saying you need money to make good movie but it doesn’t hurt. Cameras and computers cost money.
[MF] What is the philosophy behind ‘El Alambrista’?
[AC] The philosophy of Alambrista is a hero can come from anywhere.
[MF] What problems did you encounter while making ‘El Alambrista,’ and what did you learn from them?
[AC] The biggest problem was getting extras to come out and film. What I learned is that it will probably happen again.
[MF] What’s your favorite?
- Ice Cream?
[AC] I am lactose intolerant, but I love mint chocolate
- Dog?
[AC] I like Appenphinser, the devil face dog, little and doesn’t bark a lot and looks like a ewak, you know the star wars hairy guys that live in the forest.
- Film Genre, why?
[AC] I like drama, I want learn about people. I am interested in their lives, their faults.
[MF] What, if anything, would you have changed in ‘El Alambrista’ if resources were not a problem? Why?
[AC] I would change certain scenes that I feel just came out cheesy and rushed. Technically speaking I would of shot it hd 24p.
[MF] If you could change one scene in any film, what would it be and why?
[AC] The scene where Alambrista fights off the coyote, it just came off cheesy. I wished I would of filmed the fight scene with more angles and a lot faster. This is a lucha libre film and I didn’t hit anyone with a folding chair.
[MF] Any upcoming projects?
[AC] I am looking for money to make one more Alambrista lucha libre film. The script is done and filled with nothing but action action action.
[MF] Where can I go to see/buy your movies?
[AC] Brink.com, Bestbuy.com,Target.com,Netflixs.com Blockbuster.com
[MF] Any tips or hints on making a more effective film?
[AC] I am a shooter so I learned by shooting other people’s projects. You are going to make tons of mistakes just watch my first feature “Alambrista The Fence Jumper”.
If you would like your film to participate in the Microbudget Films Series, email us at ptkruz@jojevis.com. No submissions ignored!
