We are up in the mountains now!
July 19, 2010
After shooting all night on Monday (Still Tuesday morning), the company packed up for the long drive from San Luis Potosi to our next location: the town of Cuetzalan, in the state of Puebla.
It took us anywhere from 9 -12 hours to make the trek (cars vs. trucks), and the last part of the drive was a long, winding road with some really incredible views, as we climbed up and up – above the clouds.
Cuetzalan is wha it is referred to in Mexico as a Pueblo Magico one of a number of Magic Towns across the country and it certainly lives up to its name. For the movie, our Art Department transformed it into one of our most important locations st the town of Sahuayo – Jose’s (Maurico Kuri) home. This was one of the most difficult locations to find Salvador Parra and I had scouted literally across the country – from one side to the other – before we found what would become the perfect setting for the town that in many ways is the heart of our story.
Shooting in Sahuayo was also exciting because it meant introducing some new characters and have new actors start shooting.
I can’t put into words what it means to work with Peter O’Toole. Beyond his legendary career, immense talent, and numerous accolades, he’s a warm and wonderful person with a biting wit that had me on the floor over and over. I spent Saturday evening with him, sitting in the courtyard of the hotel, just chatting and listening, singing and laughing, until the wee hours. I’ll never forget it.
The moments between Peter and the other cast, especially Maurico, are especially moving and well I won’t say any more about his performances except it will be long remembered.
Nestor Carbonell also started this week playing Picazo – the mayor of the town who is also Jose’s Padrino who finds himself in the middle of the conflict and must decide where the line is, and which side to be on. Nestor brought the complexities of his character to life exactly as I imagined he would I’m a huge fan of Nestor’s work and am very excited to be working with him! (and no I haven’t grilled him on LOST mythology Yet!).
Santiago came into town for his scenes with Peter and together they took the words on the page and turned them into pure gold I couldn’t be happier.
Well we have a tough week ahead! Wish us luck!
Back soon.
Dean
Posted by admin –
10 Comments
I’ve known about this story for a very long time and heard about that a movie was in the works about two years ago…I’m extremely excited to see this film! It looks like it will be a great film. I’ve always wanted someone to make this film…let me know if we can be of any assistance.
Thanks!
Hello Dean,
I couldn’t help but notice a picture where the boy standing next to Andy Garcia has his barbiquejo (chin strap) placed under his chin while he is standing on his feet. This is a HUGE NO-NO in Mexican customes. The barbiquejo is to always to be placed behind the head while off your horse, and always under your chin or below your lower lip while riding. Another detail you probably already know is that in Mexican horsemanship, the rein is ALWAYS held in the left hand. Another detail is that the cuarta (quirt or horse whip) is never hung from your right wrist (unless it is a woman), but grapsed with the right hand, or grasped by the end strap with the middle finger on the right hand. If I’m jumping the gun on this, and you guys knew these things, please accept my apologies. As you can see, I really care about the integrity of this film.
The Sahuayo pics look great!
-Alfonso
I’m extremely excited to see this film. This blog is very interesting!!
All I can say is that the images of Sahuayo are way beyond my expectations! What a treat to have Peter O’Toole as a part of the movie!
That so, all this of the film is huge. About the actors, in Cuetzalan I could see Santiago Cabrera, in the Cascade “the Breezesâ€, is a very beautiful boy.
Great info about Peter O’Toole. One of my favorite actors. Nestor is the mayor? This is getting to be a pattern! He is so cool. This has the “look” of a great movie. Will be anxious to see it. And thanks for these updates. Very interesting.
I’m really glad you guys changed the movie logo back to it’s original form. It has much more of an old Mexican feel to it with the cross of Santiago and the “guia” design that is so common on charro suits, hats and piteado belts. Good job guys.
Wow so far Durango, Sombrerete and the Sierra de Organos and San Luis Potosi were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Looks like you brought luck to all those areas. Also, Cuetzalan is on the tentative list to also become World Heritage.
Still waiting for Bruce Greenwood to show up. When he does get there, I hope there will be photos!
He’s my favourite!
Hi, Im From Guatemala the land of Osacar Issac an Actor of this movie, Im work in films in Guatemala so glad to see the Quality of this work, Im waiting for see it on the theatre, & if you have a chace for more extras on thes movie please letme know thakns!