Review of Viva Zapata! (1952) by Daniel P — 29 May 2008
The screenplay was written by John Steinbeck, and it shows. In that, it feels like it was written by a novelist rather than a screenwriter. Also, Steinbeck channels his slow, people sitting around sadly wasting their lives motif (Tortilla Flat, Cannery Row), rather than his more film-worthy epic tragedies (Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, haven't seen East of Eden). Plus, of course, poor leftists good, rich people bad.
How can a movie about a fascinating character like Emiliano Zapata be so unbelievably boring!? And for that matter, never really letting us understand who Zapata was!? He goes from man of the people to corrupt despot to quickly, we never understand, or care, why. In that respect, Viva Zapata! plays like a poor man's All the King's Men.
Brando and Quinn are good, but that's the only positive element.
This review of Viva Zapata! (1952) was written by Daniel P on 29 May 2008.
Viva Zapata! has generally received positive reviews.
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