La Ley de Herodes

I recently saw the Spanish film, directed by Luis Estrada La Ley de Herodes (or Herod's Law). The film is a satire; criticizing the Mexican government's corrupt political system. It focuses on, and finds fault, with the dominant party, El PRI, which was filled with bribery; resulting in ineffective management. The film beings with the mayor of San Pedro de Los Saguaros running away with the towns money, however the mob (important to note they are indigenous Indians) swells and kills him. The result is a scrambling to find an imbecile to watch over the town for awhile so the story isnt revealed, potentially scarring the party just before elections. The new mayor? Juan Vargas, an ambitious man who wants to bring to the town modernity and democracy; however his dream isn't realized when he finds out that the town is broke. He gradually becomes sucked into the pits of bribery and steals money from the townspeople by taxing them for anything and everything. By the end of the film, El PRI has fallen however the conniving Vargas quickly switches sides and the final scene is him giving an address to los senadores. The film sets out to show how one man's struggle to be honest fails, and realizes the only way to deal with corruption and beat the system is to give in and use corruption itself to accomplish anything. Juan Vargas represents the typical politician who is drawn into the political scene with the best intentions, but becomes so disillusioned and power hungry, that he becomes consumed with ruling and money. The film is unique because it is one of the first to openly criticize the Mexican government, however it was not as heavily censored because it's comedy content. The actors in the film were casted extremely well, for example, Vargas' metamorphosis from a meek and honest man to a crazy dictator is a smooth change and highly believable, the viewer almost sympathizes with him. The town priest is another great actor, who keeps up with the appearance of a religious man however in reality he's a greedy man of the cloth who takes the towns money so he can buy a car. But he's incredibly at making people believe in his cause, and saving face. The film is shot in a perpetual sepia tone color, giving a an old time feel, really transporting the audience back to the 40s. Even the soundtrack is composed of the original, contemporary music of Mexico at that time, which, along with the way the movie is filmed, creates a back to the future film almost, and creates an even more believable film. La Ley de Herodes is filled with symbolism, starting from the very beginning. The mayor is stealing money from around the office, and he rips apart a portrait of the President and behind it is filled with money and then he opens up a legislation book, tears some pages out to reveal a stash of money inside. The characters themselves represent the issues Mexico was experiencing/trying to resolve at the time, the American who helps Vargas rebuild the town after meeting him on the road symbolizes the United States who used Mexico for profit purposes, and the church is represented by the priest as a controller of the people in almost every aspect of their lives (socially and economically), and the doctor signifies the other party, which was a traditional party made up primarily of military affiliates however they really didn't know what to do so they never advanced. Even the brothel, which becomes Vargas' habitual night visit, shows the scandalousness of the politician's life and in his treatment towards the girls, how they think of themselves above everyone even though they bring nothing to the town, neither advancement nor capital. La Ley de Herodes, as a dark humor film , provides a great look into the corrupt, and damaging political system that reigned over Mexico for decades.