The film Emilia Pérez has received critical acclaim, earning prestigious awards such as several European Film Awards, four Golden Globes, and multiple Oscar nominations. Praised for its originality and the performances of its cast, it is promoted as a creative musical crime comedy. However, despite its artistic recognition, the film has sparked intense controversy, particularly in Latin America, where it is criticised for its problematic depiction of Mexican culture and its treatment of sensitive topics.
Emilia Pérez presents an improbable narrative: a ruthless Mexican drug cartel boss, notorious for his violence and brutality, undergoes a sex change to transition to a woman, and in doing so, experiences a profound transformation, emerging as a compassionate individual. While the film's creativity and unconventional storytelling have been praised, its execution raises serious questions about cultural representation. Jacques Audiard, the film's French director, has openly admitted to conducting no research about Mexico, even though the film is set in the country and deals with issues deeply rooted in its socio-political landscape. This lack of authenticity has led to a portrayal of Mexico that many consider stereotypical and condescending, using the country as an exotic backdrop rather than a realistic setting.
Criticism from Latin American Viewers
Many Latin American reviewers and audiences have voiced strong criticism of the film. They argue that it trivialises the very real violence and trauma endured by countless Mexicans who have lost loved ones to killings or forced disappearances perpetrated by violent drug cartels during the drug war. According to Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe, regardless of whether they choose to cremate a loved one or bury their remains, people have an inherent urge to honour death through meaningful rituals. One of the most brutal aspects of enforced disappearances as a tactic of war is that they strip the grieving families of any opportunity for closure, leaving them in a constant state of uncertainty. Enforced disappearance is considered a crime against humanity by the International Criminal Court and, by presenting this issue within a comedic and fantastical narrative, Emilia Pérez downplays the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region and its far-reaching consequences, affecting not just Mexico, but also various other countries.
Second, casting non-Mexican actors who speak Spanish poorly or with non-Mexican accents further undermines the film's authenticity. The casting choice has been justified by claims that no suitable Mexican actors were found, a rationale that has been widely criticised as dismissive and uninformed. These choices not only undermine the film's credibility, but also contribute to the marginalisation of local talent.
The controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez has prompted many to question the double standards in cultural representation. Latin American reviewers have highlighted that if the tables were turned—if a European or American culture were misrepresented in a similar manner—there would likely be an outcry. The implication that Latin American audiences should accept such portrayals as artistic freedom reveals an underlying inequity in how cultural sensitivities are valued.
Striking a Balance Between Artistic Vision and Representation
The film's defenders argue that it should be judged solely on its artistic merit, emphasising its originality, performances, and stylistic innovation. However, this perspective neglects the broader responsibilities of filmmakers, particularly when engaging with cultures and communities other than their own. Authenticity and cultural sensitivity should be recognised as essential components in the representation of culture when making a film today, as films tend to play a role in shaping perceptions and narratives about the cultures and communities they portray. Filmmakers therefore need to strike a balance between artistic creativity and cultural responsibility.
Artistic freedom should not come at the expense of perpetuating stereotypes or trivialising the struggles of real communities. In instances where a story is rooted in a specific cultural context, it is the filmmaker's responsibility to conduct thorough research, collaborate with local talent, and ensure their work accurately reflects the realities of the culture they are portraying. Alternatively, setting the story in a fictional country could have enabled Emilia Pérez to maintain its artistic vision while avoiding the pitfalls of cultural misrepresentation.
One example of a film that creates its own world is Walter Hill’s 1984 Streets of Fire, a genre-fusing “Rock & Roll fable” set in a city that exists in “another time, another place.” Although its simple damsel-in-distress plot and underdeveloped characters may lack depth, the film’s stunning cinematography has elevated it to cult status. The fast editing, striking use of neon lighting, and seamless fusion of music and visuals evoke a comic-book-like aesthetic. Initially a box-office disappointment, its influence—on video games and anime, among others—has endured, securing its legacy as a cult classic.
Only time will tell how Emilia Pérez will be regarded by future generations, and whether its unconventional blend of drama, bizarre dance sequences, and musical numbers will be celebrated as visionary or dismissed as eccentric.
Checklist for Cultural Representation in Film
Creative Origins
- Director: The director's cultural background, vision, and connection to the story being told.
- Script (Author): The cultural relevance and authenticity of the scriptwriter's perspective. Are they from the culture or knowledgeable about the culture represented?
Representation
- Cast: Whether the cast reflects the cultural or ethnic background of the characters they are portraying. Is there accurate and sensitive casting?
- Language: Use of authentic language, accents, or dialects.
- Cultural Nuance: Attention to cultural customs, traditions, and historical context.
Reception
- Reviews: Critical reception from reviewers who belong to or are familiar with the culture depicted.
- Community Feedback: Reactions from audiences within the culture represented. Do they feel respected and accurately portrayed?
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