Los santos inocentes, Mario Camus (1984)

Essay by arcmnt1University, Bachelor's November 2014

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1. Cataloguing data: Title / Address or Authoring / Year.

Los santos inocentes

Mario Camus

1984

2. Working hypothesis

- Repression of the working class by the dominant high class.

- Enduring feudal system in the Spanish countryside.

- Lack of education in the countryside working class.

- Budding industralisation of the economy.

3. How does the film develop the thesis that, in your opinion, rises?

The main theme of this film is the subjugation of the working class to the economic elite, in this case reinforced by the fact that the owners of the cortijo are nobles. The different characters are somewhat stereotypical, but in a way that doesn't undermine the plot or thesis, but helps display the arguments in a clearer way. Paco and Régula are the archetypical examples of the serf (not even servant, as they have no choice but to remain under their patron's "benevolence). Constantly subjects of demands and requests, they oblige without protest, due to the illusion of several elements, like being given a better home (compared to basically a hut), or the apparent personal relationship with the "señorito".

However, these treats are soon proved to be as vacuous as the care their "owners" hold towards them. The guard house is taken away after the killing by Azarías, and the relationship that seemed to be long-lasting and somewhat loving is seen to be inexistant (or at least not two-sided) when Paco breaks his leg and the 'señorito' refuses to let his little pastime go to waste, permanently crippling him. The family must take care of two disabled family members, and receive no help or consideration for that. This lack of concern for not only the feelings, but well being of their servants, is what leads to the final tragedy that sentences the family's fate:...