The Disappointing Reception of ‘Emilia Pérez’ in Mexico

“Emilia Pérez,” nominated for 13 Academy Awards, faces backlash in Mexico for its portrayal of the country and adaptations of sensitive social issues. Criticism has emerged over its depiction of cartel violence and a lack of local involvement, exacerbated by derogatory comments from its French director and lead actress. The film’s delayed release contributed to its poor reception, contrasting sharply with a successful parody that resonated better with the local audience.

The film “Emilia Pérez,” a depiction of a transgender Mexican cartel leader, has garnered significant acclaim with 13 nominations for the Academy Awards, marking a historic milestone for non-English language films. Despite its international success, the film faced harsh criticism in Mexico for its portrayal of the nation and its handling of cartel violence. Critics argue that it downplays serious issues affecting the country and lacks authentic Mexican representation in its production crew.

Controversy surrounding the film intensified due to remarks made by its French director Jacques Audiard about the Spanish language, perceived as derogatory, alongside comments from lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón pertaining to Islam and George Floyd. Its release in Mexico was significantly delayed, leading to disappointing box office performance, characterized by largely empty theaters and calls for refunds from dissatisfied patrons.

Contrastingly, a Mexican-produced parody of “Emilia Pérez” surprisingly gained popularity, highlighting domestic disdain for the original movie. The film has inspired numerous memes on social media and faced backlash from families of violence victims in Mexico. Francisco Peredo Castro, a film expert and communication professor, stated, “It has become a real disaster.”

In summary, while “Emilia Pérez” has achieved remarkable recognition internationally, its reception in Mexico remains predominantly negative. Critics have pointed out its insensitivity toward Mexican culture and cartel violence representation, coupled with problematic comments from its creators. The film’s underwhelming box office performance and the popularity of parodic responses illustrate a disconnect between its artistic ambitions and local audience sentiments.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com