A Day Without a Mexican

This article is about the 2004 film. For the nationwide boycott in 2006, see Great American Boycott.
A Day Without a Mexican

Theatrical poster
Directed by Sergio Arau
Produced by Isaac Artenstein
Written by Sergio Arau
Yareli Arizmendi
Sergio Guerrero
Sarah Polley
Starring Yareli Arizmendi
John Getz
Maureen Flannigan
Music by Juan Colomer
Molotov
Cinematography Alan Caudillo
Edited by Daniel Fort
Shaula Vega (uncredited)
Distributed by Altavista Films
Televisa Cine
Release dates
 May 14, 2004
Running time
 100 min.
Country United States
Mexico
Spain
Language English
Spanish

A Day Without a Mexican is a 2004 film directed by Sergio Arau. It offers a satirical look at the consequences of all the Mexicans in the state of California suddenly disappearing (with a mysterious "pink fog" surrounding the state preventing any communication or movement with the outside world). A series of characters show the apparent statistical impact of Mexicans on California's economy, law enforcement and education systems as well as the resulting social unrest.

The film opened on May 14, 2004 in limited release throughout Southern California and on September 17 in theaters in Chicago, Texas, Florida and New York City.

This was Eduardo Palomo's last film before he died of a heart attack.

Reception

The film's 2004 awards include best screenplay at the Cartagena Film Festival and a nomination for best film; a special jury award at the Gramado Film Festival; and an award for best editing at the Guadalajara Mexican Film Festival.

The film was number one at the box office in its opening weekend in Mexico, although it was only a moderate box office success in the United States, grossing an estimated $4.1 million. Critical reception among American reviewers was lukewarm. Ella Taylor of the L.A. weekly describes it as "A terrific premise is mangled to a pulp, then beaten to death in this forced mockumentary." [1] E! Online is less kind, stating "This Day not only lacks Mexicans but also good acting, sharp storytelling and humor." [2] Rotten Tomatoes critics on the site list it as a 29% on the Tomatometer.[3]

The trailer of the film in Mexico included the controversial song "Frijolero" by Molotov.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ http://www.rottentomatoes.com/click/movie-1137081/reviews.php?critic=columns&sortby=default&page=1&rid=1281277
  2. ↑ http://www.eonline.com/movies/reviews/index.jsp
  3. ↑ http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/day_without_a_mexican

External links