A Unique Perspective on Love and Politics in Michel Franco’s Latest Film
Michel Franco, a prominent filmmaker from Mexico, has always believed that life and film are intertwined. In an interview discussing his latest movie, Dreams, which premiered across Israel on Thursday, he expressed this sentiment clearly. The film is more than just a love story; it serves as a powerful allegory for the complex relationship between Mexican and American cultures.
In Dreams, Jessica Chastain plays Jennifer, a wealthy socialite and philanthropist who finds herself in a passionate affair with Fernando, a young Mexican dancer played by Isaac Hernandez, a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater. Their relationship becomes a central theme of the film, exploring themes of power, identity, and societal expectations. Fernando’s aspirations to succeed in America and be recognized publicly by Jennifer add layers of tension to their personal connection.
The film also delves into the harsh realities faced by migrants attempting to cross the border into the United States. Franco masterfully blends these personal struggles with broader political issues, creating a narrative that is both dreamlike and deeply unsettling. This balance between the intimate and the global is a hallmark of Franco’s filmmaking style.
Audiences familiar with Franco’s work may recognize elements of his previous film, Memory, which also starred Chastain. Like Dreams, Memory is a genre-defying piece that presents complex characters without offering easy resolutions. Franco’s films often challenge viewers to think critically about the world around them, reflecting his deep engagement with social and political issues.
A Career Spanning Two Worlds
Franco has spent much of his 20-year career navigating between Mexico and the United States, producing critically acclaimed films such as Sundown and New Order. These works explore diverse themes, from class disparity to political upheaval, while maintaining a strong cinematic quality. His ability to craft compelling narratives with rich character development has earned him recognition in both countries.
When speaking about Dreams, Franco emphasized the broader implications of the story. He explained that the film reflects the imbalance in the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, where one nation often holds more power over the other. He pointed out that while President Trump’s rhetoric brought attention to these issues, the underlying tensions have existed for years.
Franco noted that some of the scenarios depicted in the film were initially seen as exaggerated. However, recent events have shown that the reality is even more extreme. This highlights the challenges of addressing social and political issues through cinema, as real-world circumstances can quickly change the context of a story.
A Collaborative Process
Chastain’s involvement in Dreams was crucial to the film’s success. Franco described her as a committed and versatile actor who embraced the challenge of portraying a complex, sometimes unsympathetic character. Their collaboration began during the production of Memory, and she quickly agreed to take on the role in Dreams.
Hernandez, who transitioned from dance to acting, brought a unique energy to the film. Franco praised his natural talent and ability to communicate emotions effectively, drawing parallels to legendary dancers like Mikhail Baryshnikov. Chastain also played a supportive role, helping Hernandez feel comfortable and challenged in his performance.
A Visionary Filmmaker
Franco credits filmmakers like Luis Buñuel and Rainer Werner Fassbinder as major influences on his work. He values creative freedom and maintains low production budgets to ensure artistic control over his projects. This approach allows him to explore unconventional stories and characters that might not fit within traditional Hollywood frameworks.
While Franco acknowledges that Dreams may not directly alter the political landscape between Mexico and the U.S., he believes the film can spark meaningful conversations among viewers. By blending personal drama with broader social commentary, he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling in cinema.