Few films in recent memory surprised me as much as "Becoming Eduardo." Set and shot in southwestern New Mexico, the film is several cuts above your typical coming of age movie. "Becoming Eduardo" not only stuns the senses it also engages the intellect. Superficially the story of a high school age Hispanic boy growing up in the world of poverty and drug violence of rural New Mexico, the film rises far above its humble setting. Director Rod McCall skillfully contrasts the beauty of rural New Mexico with the drab lives of those trapped by their situations. The fast paced money and power world of the drug dealers overshadows the lives of the workers and students. Eduardo's life options are mirrored against those of his mother (played by the always excellent Elizabeth Pena) who was forced to settle for what was rather than pursue what-might-be. We've seen all of these elements before, but McCall manages to mix them up in a fresh format that captures the pain of someone struggling with their surrounding while avoiding the usual preachy film clichés. In doing so, McCall produced in "Become Eduardo" a film you'll want to see and see again.
Review of Becoming Eduardo
