MOCA ZINE 2010
Phil Collins, Still from “Soy Mi Madre”, from the exhibition “The Reach of Realism at MOCA.
Critique This dramatic portrayal of a twisted family concealing truths from each other in times of dire need and cooperation is dynamic, humorous, and suspenseful. From the audiences view the mother seems suspiciously cautious which is logical when we find that both women, servant and the austere rich woman, are her daughters, although neither know. The husband complains about his wife and their lack luster relationship and drinks heavily to cope. The tension that is invisible to them is absolutely uproarious considering that they are equally self-righteous and spiteful women who despise each other, and yet they are sisters. The cinematography takes a likewise comical approach, showing us what a novella set is like; scene changes with replaced characters, and propped-up walls. The closing scene gives us a real view into the mind of the servant daughter, who feels entitled and unappreciated, when she pulls a gun on the rich woman. All in all this novella ends with truths revealed and hierarchy balanced.
by Christopher Labora and Jennifer Mendez
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