1st Edition

Latin American History Goes to the Movies Understanding Latin America's Past through Film

By Stewart Brewer Copyright 2016
    176 Pages
    by Routledge

    176 Pages
    by Routledge

    Latin American History Goes to the Movies combines the study of the rich history of Latin America with the medium of feature film. In this concise and accessible book, author Stewart Brewer helps readers understand key themes and issues in Latin American history, from pre-Columbian times to the present, by examining how they have been treated in a variety of films. Moving chronologically across Latin American history, and pairing historical background with explorations of selected films, the chapters cover vital topics including the Spanish conquest and colonialism, revolution, religion, women, U.S.-Latin American relations, and more. Through films such as City of God, Frida, and Che, Brewer shows how history is retold, and what that retelling means for public memory.

    From Apocalypto to Selena, and from Christopher Columbus to the slave trade, Latin American History Goes to the Movies sets the record straight between the realities of history and cinematic depictions, and gives readers a solid foundation for using film to understand the complexities of Latin America’s rich and vibrant history.

    Chapter 1—Stereotypes of Latin America

    Chapter 2—Pre-Colombian Cultures

    Chapter 3—The Great Encounter – The Enigma of Christopher Columbus

    Chapter 4—The Spanish Conquest of Latin America

    Chapter 5—Imperialism and Colonialism

    Chapter 6—The African Atlantic Slave Trade in Latin America

    Chapter 7—Revolutionary Latin America

    Chapter 8—Religion in Latin America

    Chapter 9—Women in Latin America

    Chapter 10—Political Instability and Relations with the United States

    Chapter 11—Poverty, Terrorism, and Violence in Latin America

    Chapter 12—Latino Culture in the United States

    Biography

    Stewart Brewer is Professor of History at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska.