For decades afterward, the government covered up its complicity in the attack.
There were warning signs to this escalation, a tragedy on a smaller scale but just as horrific.
A power-hungry priest framed the outsiders as communist agitators, manipulating the fearful villagers into forming a lynch mob.
Image via Criterion
Its fundamentally about creating in the spectator the anxiety of not being able to escape the events.
Remember, this is a movie that announces its ending at the very beginning.
Some bad shit is gonna happen in this town.
Image via Criterion
Theres a lot of bad shit here, I swear to God.
The whole towns been jumpy for a while now.
A brick wall, covered in flyers, cries out the villagers fears, Christianity yes!
Image via Criterion
His influence has many followers, but there are a divisive few who understand what hes doing.
The priest is described as the political boss, appointing mayors, councilmen, and judges.
He controls the power.
Image via Criterion
Hes also the treasurer of the Development Committee, the Drinking Water Committee, the Electricity Committee, etc.
Its a mouthful and should be as concerning as it reads.
He takes money from the village, and you will be blacklisted if you do not pay up.
This was the first time they were presented in a different way.
Canoathen establishes the five workers from the Autonomous University of Puebla.
We respect each other, but were separate.
The documentary moments, which include segments with Witness and the priest, add to the movie’s realism.
The opening in laying out the aftermath sets a sense of dread, as does the use of foreshadowing.
One of the friends leaves behind a rifle for hunting or what could have been a defensive weapon.
A coworker tells another of the young guys, Ill pray you make it back!
This grounded approach toCanoaemphasizes how the university workers are at the wrong place, at the wrong time.
The bad weather blocks them from heading to the mountain, stranding them.
Julian tries to keep up the positive energy, if he isnt worried, his friends shouldnt be either.
This is what seals their fate.
Over loudspeakers, a woman shouts, The outlaws are here in town!
The young men dont speak the towns Nahuatl language, feeding into their anxiety that something might be wrong.
Blasts of noise echo in the distance.
one of the men asks.
More like gunshots, is the reply.
All of them are backlit, becoming ominous shadows.
Canoa: A Shameful Memoryis an upsetting watch that doesnt shy away from the bleakness to its real-life event.
