My overall impression
Don’t walk into this thinking you’re going to see a documentary. This is a living piece, an absolutely lovely blending of fiction rooted in fact that glides and stomps through Chavez’ life with deft surety. The story uses the fast as launch, with Chavez pleading with the Virgin for help during a period of personal strife in both his life and cause.
Blanco’s use of a range of reality-influenced fictional characters talking about Chavez or enacting their encounters with him is particularly effective. Zoot suiters, matrons, radicalized students all show up, and together they build a vision of Chavez as person and movement that absolutely breathes. His keen use of some of Chavez’ actual speeches is smartly executed.
And the part with Chavez in the classroom as a child is both charming and heartbreaking.
Only two small blips where it dragged just a teeny bit. Easily overlooked. Wonderful stuff.
