By Judi Jordan
Notoriously hands-on, the presence of Mario Moreno AKA “Cantinflas” was felt by all during the curiously smooth production of the upcoming film that bears his name. Director Sebastian de Amo agrees that this film shoot was aided by unseen forces that kept them “on time and on budget, made it rain, told the Mexican sun when to shine “ and imbued the cast and crew with his extraordinary energy through 15-hour days. The lovable “pelado” was looking over the shoulder of Oscar Jaenada, the film’s star, who confessed “I got goose bumps sometimes.” Others agreed something ‘special’ was afoot. “It was a perfect shoot”, marveled producers Vidal Cantú and Adolfo Franco of Kenio Films, the production company behind Cantinflas. Indeed, the fairytale quality of the film reeks of movie magic, of the “good old days” when Dolores del Rio, Maria Felix and Lupita Tovar were stars, and Latin glamour reigned.
Mario Moreno as his beloved character “Cantinflas”
To watch director del Amo’s Cantinflas, starring gifted Spanish actor Jaenada, is to be transported back in time to a world of fantasy, where a poor nobody from a Mexican barrio can become a world-famous star and producer—and more –a “brand” recognized world-wide—all done without the internet!! Imagine that! A star who rose from the absolute bottom to the highest heavens on his own unique genius —with no TV, no Twitter, no Instagram, no Facebook, no ‘selfies’ — just talent, (OK, a lot of it) solid survival instincts, and creative self-possession. Yes, I am talking Mario Moreno “Cantinflas”, the biggest Latino star to date—in terms of lasting fame and the sheer volume of films he starred in. He was partly responsible for creating the ‘Golden Age’ of Mexican cinema, and del Amo’s homage never forgets this—it celebrates it.
Suspended in a time machine that surfs between storytelling and recreation of movie-making magic, Cantinflas delights and inspires as it informs. It fills in details of Moreno’s broom-pushing beginnings and builds its story on the relentless hustle by legendary producer Mike Todd to get his all-star cast for Around the World in Eighty Days. The original “event” movie, 80 Days had a record number of 40 cameos including Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich, George Raft, and Frank Sinatra.
Promotional material of the film released at the time quoted a Screen Actors Guild representative, looking at the call sheet, crying out, “Good heavens Todd, you’ve made extras out of all the stars in Hollywood!” The role of Passepartout the quirky valet, was greatly expanded from the original novel to accommodate Cantinflas, the most famous Latin American comedian in the world, and he became the focus of the film. The film made Moreno a world-famous star, garnered him a Golden Globe, and made $42 million at the box office—adjusted to 2014 dollars that’s $355 million for the bean counters.
Oscar Jaenada promoting the film
When the film was released in non-English-speaking nations, Cantinflas was billed as the lead. Todd had trouble convincing Cantinflas, who had never before appeared in an American movie and had turned down countless offers, to do so. On playing the part of Passepartout, Cantinflas was quoted as saying”…to my audience in Latin America, I’ll still be Cantinflas.”
Born in August of 1911 [as Mario Fortino Alfonso Moreno Reyes], Moreno struggled considerably before he hit his stride. But when he ‘found’ his gift and magic formula – the character Cantinflas — he held on tight and never let it go. Between 1936 and 1981 he starred in 50 movies and all but three were made in Mexico. Most were directed by the same director—Miguel M. Delgado.
During his lifetime Moreno became politically active — in defense of the underdog he came to embody in Cantinflas. He was a brilliant business man as well. When he died in 1993 at 81, his net worth was $25 million. Yes, Cantinflas was a millionaire many times over, and he lived like a king. He kept five homes and his Mexico City digs housed an extensive art collection, a swimming pool, a bowling alley, a jai alai court, a theater, barber and beauty salons. He even flew his own jet to his 1,000-acre ranch, La Purisima, where he raised bulls.
He was also famous for his charity. Legend has it he handed out $175,000 a year to crowds of people who lined up daily at his door. At one time he was supporting more than 250 destitute families in the Mexico City barrio of Granjas. There he later built 64 apartment houses and sold the units to the poor for a fraction of their value. Cantinflas raised funds for charity by appearing at dozens of benefits every year. His annual performances as a wacky comedic bullfighter, always packed the 46,000-seat Plaza Mexico in Mexico City which are depicted in the film. Idolized in Mexico to an extent rarely seen anymore, Cantinflas was smack in the center of Diego Rivera’s mural in 1951 depicting great heroes in Mexican history. Not bad for a poor boy, the sixth of 8 children from Tepito, Ciudad de México.
Director de Amo (El fantastic mundo de Juan Oro) takes the remarkable talents of Jaenada, Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos, Goodfellows) as Mike Todd, and Ilse Salas (Locas de amor) as Valentina, Moreno’s adored and betrayed Russian wife, and weaves a compelling tale of ambition fulfilled, at a price.
Cantinflas is loaded with cool cameos by top Latino stars including the gorgeous Barbara Mori as Elizabeth Taylor and Ximena Gonzalez-Rubio. That and the fresh set design, beautiful costumes and music add charm and elegant nostalgia. Still, it was done on a tight budget. For $3.5 million this is one amazing movie. Admittedly, many of the well-known Latino actors portraying famous stars worked for extras’ “scale” pay just to be part of the film, echoing the casting of major stars in Around the World in 80 Days.
Jaenada clearly put everything he had into his portrayal of Mario and his alter ego Cantinflas – as dual characters. “I worked for six months to be Cantinflas—and Mario Moreno. “ Jaenada got the ultimate compliment from Moreno’s son who told him he “heard my father’s voice” through Jaenada. The chemistry between Jaenada and Salas is compelling and layered, and the bittersweet love story is well played. A perfect lesson in self-empowerment, Cantinflas follows the edict of Kenio Films whose mandate for uplifting, positive productions made for Latino audiences promises a ‘new wave’ and possibly a renaissance of Mexico’s Golden Age.
“Ahi esta el detalle” — Cantinflas gave his seal of approval on the final day of shooting, as del Amo recounts, “Cantinflas’ lucky number was seven; one of his famous characters was “Badge Number 777”. The day we wrapped the film we looked at the clock and realized it was July 7th at 7 PM.” The film’s final edit comes to 1 hour 6 minutes. 6+1= Homage.
In Theaters August 29th. Spanish and English subtitles.
Cantinflas is distributed by Lionsgate/Pantelion
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