Masculinities in Robert Rodríguez’s Mexico Trilogy

Abstract

In this article, I discuss various layers of masculinity, in particular hegemonic masculinity and the notion of ‘machismo’ used by Robert Rodríguez in his Mexico Trilogywhich comprises the films El Mariachi (1992), Desperado(1995), and Once upon a time in Mexico (2003). Their focus on male hybridity is of particular interest for this study because it could be regarded as an important means of resistance to patriarchal masculinity which links up to the symbolism of Western colonialism in the films. Ultimately, El Mariachi, Desperado and Once upon a time in Mexico question traditional hegemonic masculinity quite successfully, although the last part of the trilogy is considerably more explicit in its post-colonial agenda.

Keywords

• masculinity
• mexico trilogy
• robert rodríguez