Love in the Time of Cholera

I'm kind of interested to see Love in the Time of Cholera (once it comes out on Netflix, and after I've actually read the book), since it has been pretty universally panned by critics. I think it's interesting that a masterpiece by one of the most beloved Latin-American writers was adapted for the screen by Brits. According to the New York Times reviewer, that was the cause of the movie's downfall. In addition, it starred an Italian actress, which many felt was an error in casting. Apparently John Leguizamo wasn't a great casting choice, either. The Los Angeles Times said, "Leguizamo is painful to watch...he can take the Colombian out of Queens but he can't seem to take Queens, even in the late 1800s, out of the Colombian." Ouch.

Salma Hayek's "Regalo de Dios"

Because I've mentioned this topic once before, I thought it was hilarious when a report popped up this week that Salma Hayek said her breasts were a gift from God.

"Puse mis manos en el agua bendita y dije: 'Por favor, Dios, me da unos pechos. ¡Y él me lo dio! En pocos meses desarrollé una creciente pechonalidad... me quedé muy satisfecha con la manera como ellos crecieron."
"I put my hands in the holy water and said, 'Please, God, give me breasts. And he gave them to me! In a few months, I developed a growing chest...I was very satisfied with the way they grew."

The media is reporting it like she was completely serious, but I feel like that was a total tongue-in-cheek answer. I guess joking is a good way to get the plastic surgery police off your back...or chest?

Broadway "in the Heights"

This week's class focus on Latinos on Broadway reminded me of a Latino production I'd heard about that will be opening on Broadway in February, called In the Heights. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (who also stars in it), the play is about a Latino neighborhood in Washington Heights, and its score includes elements of salsa, merengue and hip-hop. Interestingly, In the Heights also features Priscilla Lopez, who we talked about in class as originating the role of Diana Morales in A Chorus Line. It looks like a very interesting and modern Broadway show, and it got great reviews when it was off-Broadway. Let's home Miranda does the same sort of community outreach that John Leguizamo did with Freak, so the people who live in Washington Heights might actually be able to go see it.

Oscar Martinez on "The Office"

Maria Elena Fernandez from the Los Angeles Times did a nice roundup today of Latino characters on primetime TV. I don't really watch any of the shows she mentions, since the only primetime show I watch regularly is The Office. However, that show could also have been included in the article for its non-stereotypical portrayal of a Latino (and a gay one, at that) - office accountant Oscar Martinez. Although his unwittingly racist boss Michael Scott implies that Oscar adheres to a number of Latino and gay stereotypes, he actual fits almost none of them. In the 13th episode of the third season, Oscar returns from an 11-episode hiatus and most of the show is dedicated to him. He and Michael have the following exchange (I unfortunately can't find a video clip of it because YouTube and NBC aren't getting along):

Oscar: We don’t even have to have a party…
Michael: No, hey, hey, don’t be ridiculous. Of course we’re going to have a party – the celebration of Oscar. Oscar night! And I want it to be Oscar-specific.
Oscar: Michael, I…
Michael: No, no. I mean…not because you’re gay. Your gayness does not define you.
Oscar: Thank you.
Michael: Your Mexicaness is what defines you, to me, and I think we should celebrate Oscar’s Mexicanity. So Phyllis, I want you to go find firecrackers and a chihuahua. Pam, in the frozen food section, Swanson’s makes a delightful chimichanga.
Oscar: Why don’t you have me riding in on a donkey?
Michael: Ah, a burro. Of course, if Oscar wants a donkey, let’s get him one.

Although some people might argue that Oscar is performing a "white affect," others might say that all Latinos have different personalities, and I think it's a good thing that Oscar's ethnicity and sexual orientation aren't really the defining aspects of him for anyone on the show except Michael.