"Men of Integrity": The Mexican Film Challenging the Immature Nature of Modern Society
In Madrid, the cultural space of Matadero is hosting the screening of the Mexican film "Whole Men," a youth drama that delves into the struggles of self-discovery, social pressure, and the exuberance of youth. Directed by Alejandro Andrade, the film stars debut actor Andrés Revo, who has already garnered attention with his magnificent performance. "Whole Men" has been lauded at several Latin American film festivals and is now making its way to Spain.
The film revolves around the doubts of an adolescent about his sexuality that lead him down a dangerous path, ultimately endangering relationships with friends and committing a crime. The title "Whole Men" serves as a thought-provoking question, prompting viewers to ponder on the very essence of masculinity.
"No one turns out to be whole" in the film, according to director Alejandro Andrade, creating a sense of irony and paradox. He ponders whether a whole man is an alpha male, violent, or a winner, commenting that the film delves into these aspects while exploring the path towards wholeness. Debut actor Andrés Revo echoes similar sentiments, stating that for him, a whole man is one who is consistent with himself, something his character lacks.
While dealing with themes such as drugs, sex, and crime, there was no compulsion to portray excessive violence, says Andrade. The team strived for a balance between portraying the harshness of the story without resorting to graphically explicit scenes. The majority of the actors were novices, and the filmmakers took extra care to protect them from unnecessary exposure to violence.
Violence, according to Andrade, encompasses more than just physical abuse; it's also words, jokes, and little things that can have dire consequences. He encourages viewers to engage with these issues and reflect on them, even going so far as to suggest that parents watch the film with their adolescent children to discuss uncomfortable, yet necessary, topics.
"Whole Men" sheds light on the toxic masculinity that permeates not only Mexican society but also affects people worldwide. "We're talking about toxic masculinities, a patriarchal system that touches us all, transcending social classes," says Andrade.
During the pivotal stage of adolescence, young individuals are under immense pressure to define themselves and chart the course of their lives. While some succumb to peer pressure and engage in heinous acts, they ultimately reveal themselves to be flawed and immature, rather than the "men" they claim to be.
Andrade and Revo, following the international promotion of their introspective project, pose a fundamental question: what does it mean to be an integrated man? The film serves as a poignant reflection of society, inviting viewers to scrutinize their roles within the patriarchal system and consider how deeply entrenched they are. "The film is a mirror that reflects the game these characters play, and many people who see it may find themselves immersed in it. I hope that people reflect on to what extent they continue to play the role in this patriarchal system that is in the film and in our lives," Revo remarks.
- The screening of the Mexican film "Whole Men" in Madrid's Matadero cultural space is a part of their entertainment offerings, featuring movies-and-tv and pop-culture.
- In the realm of lifestyle, the film delves into the fashion-and-beauty and personal-growth of adolescents, providing insight into the exuberance and struggles of youth.
- If you're into books and self-development, "Whole Men" serves as an educational tool, addressing important topics like social pressure, sexuality, and the complexities of masculinity – all parts of the wider pop-culture discourse.
- The film also touches upon the social media sphere, encouraging discussions about sensitive topics like drugs, sex, and crime, which are prevalent conversation starters in today's online world.
- In sports, the film parallels the WNBA and NBA, illustrating the pressures and challenges that young individuals face during career-development, and questioning the very nature of what defines a 'whole' man in these contexts.
- The debate over sports-betting, another facet of the entertainment industry, can find connections with the themes in "Whole Men," as both deal with the consequences of high-stakes decisions and the impact they have on individuals and relationships.
- Amidst the backdrop of the film's narrative, sci-fi-and-fantasy fans can draw parallels between the journey of self-discovery undertaken by the characters and the quests for identity and meaning central to many fantastical stories.
- With its profound examination of masculinity, "Whole Men" encapsulates several aspects of our cultural landscape, offering thought-provoking discussions that can reverberate far beyond the screening room and become the cornerstone for community engagement and change.
- Ultimately, the film invites viewers to explore their own personal growth, education-and-self-development, and their role in society and the patriarchal system, provoking introspection and inspiring individuals to work towards a more inclusive and balanced lifestyle.
