2014 in Film: Best of Latinos in Hollywood

By David Salazar and Francisco Salazar First Posted: Dec 16, 2014 12:24 PM EST

Starting with Alfonso Cuaron's historic win at the Academy Awards earlier this year for Best Director, Latinos are finally finding their way into prominence on the Silver Screen.

Despite continuous stereotypical depictions of Latin American culture, there are some artists who are paving the way for new means of portraying Latin Americans in a more honest light.

The calendar year saw biopics of some of the culture's greatest heroes, as well as some more contemporary portrayals in such films as "Chef," "The Way He Looks" and "Wild Tales," among others. Additionally, Latin American actors continued to assert themselves in major Hollywood productions and the current awards race.

So in accordance with this celebration of Latinos in film, David and Francisco Salazar will both kick off their new feature series "Best of Film in 2014" with their own individual pick of the standout Latin American achievement in film for the calendar year.

A Latino Superstar

By David Salazar

There are a plethora of major Latin American actors that have managed to get their names out there and succeed not only in the international scene, but also in American culture. Benicio del Toro comes to mind as one who has successfully straddled the line between big Hollywood productions and meaty roles in smaller films. Demian Bichir and Gael Garcia Bernal are other actors who have also risen above the stereotyping of Latinos in American culture.

And yet, one of them is about to put himself at arguably the highest position of all. And his name is Oscar Isaac. The Guatemalan actor technically had his breakout last year when he carried the Coen Brothers' sensational "Inside Llewyn Davis." And then, this year, he made headlines on a number of fronts. The big news was for surprising addition to the "Star Wars" franchise, which will make him a household name regardless of what he does afterward. That will only be helped by his addition to the "X-Men" franchise as the villain Apocalypse.

But those achievements pale when considered next to Isaac's actual work onscreen. The actor showcased his talents in a number of films this year, including a few short films and the early release "In Secret." But he truly came to the forefront with his two late performances in "Two Faces of January" and "A Most Violent Year." The first film saw Isaac use his charisma to straddle the line between his desire for Kirsten Dunst's Collette while managing an endearing and simultaneously dangerous relationship with her husband Chester (Viggo Mortensen). Isaac was arguably the star of the show and his vivacity was a strong and effective contrast to Mortensen's more firm and yet explosive demeanor.

But it was the second performance, a look into the world of American capitalism and its discontents in "A Most Violent Year" where Isaac truly shone. That he might get an Oscar nomination for his turn is rather telling, but hardly the complete story. In Isaac's hands, Abel Morales is gentle and seemingly forthright. But as his world starts crumbling around him and his morals and values are called into question, Isaac manages to depict the violent unhinging in the most effective and yet subtle of manners. This is not a man who was pure and then lost his way, but rather one filled with guilt who has struggled to hide it. He is aware of his behavior, and yet he denies it to the last minute. He is sorry for his actions and simultaneously knows that there is no other way. Framed next to Jessica Chastain's aggressive and overtly sexualized portrayal, he is a Macbeth to her Lady Macbeth. Isaac creates a battle between two worlds -- a man's inner sanctum and his attempts to preserve it against the corruption and decadence of the outside world. That he does this as a Latin American character and avoids the usual stereotyping that comes with Latin Americans as "gangsters" is all the more commendable. It is arguably one of the finest performances of the year and certainly a standout for a Latin American artist this year.

An Emerging Filmmaker

By Francisco Salazar

Latin America showcased some of its biggest stars this year in Hollywood with Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu about to be nominated for his second Academy Award for his crowning achievement in "Birdman." Other stars that shined were Genesis Rodriguez, Edgar Ramirez, Michael Pena and Gael Garcia Bernal. However, the one filmmaker that stood out was Daniel Ribeiro with his first feature film "The Way He Looks." The film was surprisingly chosen as Brazil's submission for the Academy Awards, and it has obtained a large following throughout Latin America.

Based on a short film entitled "I Don't Want to Go Back Alone," "The Way He Looks" is not trying to make any grand statements. Instead, it seeks to portray first love and the struggles that come along with it. The film tells the story of Leonardo, a blind teenager searching for independence. However, his life changes with the arrival of Gabriel and Leonardo's discovery of his feelings for him.

Ribeiro's sensitive direction captures the youthful spirit of his characters, and each frame is beautifully designed. Unlike the usual grim foreign films audiences are used to seeing, this film is filled with so much color and joy, and every image is sunny.

Ribeiro's achievement was also able to capture two of the finest breakout performances of this year. Ghilherme Lobo and Fabio Audi are both charming and captivating in their roles. Both create the insecurities of their character's teenage years with so much sensitivity and truth. That being said the rest of the supporting cast, in particular Tess Amorim, are also solid.

Ribeiro also enriches his film with one of the best soundtracks of the year that includes Schubert, Arvo Part and most importantly Belle & Sebastian, which provides the soul and the spirit of the music.

"The Way He Looks" may be an LGBT film, but it shies away from the tragic qualities audiences have gotten used to seeing in this genre of cinema. Ribeiro's film also extends beyond the LGBT film genre as it has universal themes and scenarios that all young adults can relate to.

"The Way He Looks" is one of the most memorable films of the year and one that should surely mark the start of a brilliant career.