Critical Chicano Cinema film The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez Remastered

The American Playhouse film the Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982) has long been overlooked, but fortunately, the film has been newly remastered and included in the Criterion Collection (More about the film's importance and re-release).

The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez is one of my favorite films ever. It is my favorite western ever made. The film’s story is compelling. It; story weaves a complex of social commentary through misunderstandings of language at the turn of the 20^th century. 

From the above article, the story goes: “On June 12, 1901, near Gonzales, Texas, a sheriff named Morris rode out to the home of a cowhand named Gregorio Cortez, played by Edward James Olmos in the movie. Suspecting him of stealing a horse, he confronted Cortez, using an interpreter. In the conversation, the interpreter mistranslated the Spanish-speaking man’s reply, and a panicked gunfight ensued. Morris died on the scene, and the Texas Rangers set out to find the fleeing Cortez.”

“The misunderstanding of one word caused the biggest manhunt in the history of Texas up to that time, Olmos said. 

“Hundreds and hundreds of people tracking this ‘outlaw gang,’ and it was just one guy on a horse.” Once Cortez was caught, he became the first Mexican to be tried in court in the United States, with an interpreter to translate the proceedings.”

The Texas Rangers’ hysteria to capture the elusive Cortez became legendary but Gregorio Cortez might not be remembered today if not for the many recordings of the Borderland’s  popular corridos, narrative songs in the form of poetry that form a ballad. Listen to El Corrido de Gregorio Cortez here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X0qSVAGRBU).

From these singing narratives, UT Austin Professor and Folklorist Americo Paredes (Americo ) further immortalized Gregorio Cortez and his exploits when he wrote his dissertation about Cortez and the culture of the borderlands. This work became the foundation for the book With a Pistol in His Hand, and later a Victor Villaseñor screenplay and the film produced by Moctesuma Esparza. 

The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez' multiple telling of the same incident form different perspectives is reminiscent of the Kurosawa film Rashomon. but with a message that touches our experience today. Edward Olmos and cast discuss the making of the film (filmmaker's discussion)

The films pounding rhythm beats down a pace that does not let go of its audience. It demands to be seen. 

Watch the film here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra9LQVaF5Ro).