Apocalypto, a Mayan epic directed by Mel Gibson, has been the subject of controversy and criticism. Ricardo Cajas, Guatemala’s presidential commissioner on racism, has condemned the film for its portrayal of the Mayan people. This article will delve into the details of the controversy surrounding Apocalypto and explore the claims made by Cajas regarding the derogatory depiction of the Mayan society.
The Critic’s Perspective
Ricardo Cajas’ Stance
Ricardo Cajas, Guatemala’s presidential commissioner on racism, believes that Apocalypto has set back understanding of the Mayan people by 50 years. He claims that the film perpetuates a Western view of other civilizations and suggests that the Mayans needed to be saved by the arrival of the Spanish.
Historically Inaccurate Violence
Cajas criticizes the film for portraying the Mayans as extremely violent and engaging in beheadings and human sacrifices. He argues that the level of violence shown in Apocalypto is deemed historically inaccurate.
Savage Portrayal
Cajas further argues that the film portrays the Mayans as savage, perpetuating negative stereotypes about indigenous cultures. He believes that such a portrayal is offensive and disrespectful to the Mayan people.
Ignacio Ochoa’s Critique
Ignacio Ochoa, director of the Nahual Foundation, also criticizes the film for purveying an offensive and racist notion about Mayan culture. Ochoa echoes Cajas’ sentiment that the film perpetuates negative stereotypes about indigenous cultures and diminishes the richness and complexity of Mayan society.
Allegations of Plagiarism
Apocalypto has faced allegations of plagiarism from a Mexican director. These allegations further fueled the controversy surrounding the film.
Mayan Language and Cultural Pride
Making the Mayan Language “Cool”
The film, which is in the Yukatek Maya language, aims to make the Mayan language “cool” again and encourage pride in speaking it. Apocalypto focuses on showcasing the beauty and significance of the Mayan language and culture.
More Than Half of Guatemala’s Population
More than half of Guatemala’s population is descended from the Mayans, making the film’s portrayal of their culture even more significant. The impact of the film’s portrayal on modern-day Mayan communities cannot be ignored.
Box Office Success and Recognition
Golden Globe Nomination
Apocalypto received a Golden Globe nomination for best foreign-language film. Despite the controversy, the film received recognition and acclaim from the industry.
Box Office Success
Apocalypto achieved box office success, further emphasizing its impact and influence on popular culture. The film’s reception at the box office indicates a significant level of interest and engagement with the Mayan culture depicted in the film.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Apocalypto and its portrayal of Mayan society highlights the delicate balance between storytelling and respecting cultural nuances. While the film aims to raise awareness and pride in the Mayan language and culture, its depiction of violence and savage behavior has come under scrutiny. The criticism from Ricardo Cajas and Ignacio Ochoa sheds light on the need for filmmakers to approach the representation of indigenous cultures with sensitivity and accuracy.