What characteristics does Selena share with the lead females of the previous women’s biopic films we have viewed? How is she different? Do you think Selena resented her father or appreciated his toughness? What is the dual focus in this film? Is there more than one? D.

QUESTION

Part B( peer’s post):

A.

1. What characteristics does Selena share with the lead females of the previous women’s biopic films we have viewed? How is she different?
2. Do you think Selena resented her father or appreciated his toughness?
3. What is the dual focus in this film? Is there more than one?

D.

The Introduction to Film Genres text talks about how the musical genre is devoted to creating the couple: “It fashions this couple out of paired opposites, using music and dance to visualize and thematize the romantic coupling and the overcoming of opposition of personalities” (218). This is somewhat true in Selena because she falls in love with Chris who comes from a rougher background and her father does not approve. I feel like this idea could also be applied to Selena’s relationship with her father since they have clashing personalities but eventually come together in the end. However, since this is a biopic the film is more focused on Selena’s life than it is bringing a couple together through song and dance.

Part C (peer’s post):

1. My Questions:
2. How does Selena’s and her father, Abraham’s, relation to music help them with adjusting to accepting their Mexican-American heritage and experiences?
3. How does sexism play such a large role in Selena’s career and life?
4. What kind of music plays in the background a lot outside of Selenas music?
5. The textbook says that “for a film to qualify as a musical, the music itself must be integral to the plot… the music must advance the plot in some fashion or be reflective of a character’s desires, goals, and state of mind” (212). In Selena, the song “Como La Flor” is written after Selena’s and Chris’ first pizza date, a song literally about eternal love. It’s also the first song we as an audience see Selena and Chris play together. Albeit Selenamay not fit into the mold of a traditional musical, where a song expresses the thoughts of the person singing it, it does foreshadow her and Chris’ feelings for each other.

ANSWER

Selena: Exploring Musical Themes, Heritage Acceptance, and Sexism

Introduction

Selena, a biographical film about the life and career of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, showcases several characteristics shared by lead females in previous women’s biopics while also highlighting unique aspects. The film delves into Selena’s relationship with her father, Abraham, and the impact of music on their Mexican-American heritage acceptance. Furthermore, it sheds light on the pervasive role of sexism in Selena’s life and career. This essay will explore these themes and how they contribute to the narrative of the film.

Body

Similarities and Differences with Lead Females in Women’s Biopics

In Selena, similar to other women’s biopics, the lead female character possesses ambition, talent, and a strong drive to succeed. Selena shares the determination and resilience seen in other biopics such as Frida Kahlo in “Frida” or Édith Piaf in “La Vie en Rose.” However, what sets Selena apart is her unique cultural background as a Mexican-American and the influence of her heritage on her music and identity (Asbring et al., 2001).

Selena’s Relationship with Her Father

Selena’s father, Abraham, serves as her manager and plays a pivotal role in her life. While there are moments of tension and clashing personalities between them, Selena ultimately appreciates her father’s toughness. Abraham’s strict upbringing and dedication to their music help Selena navigate the challenges of the music industry and foster her growth as an artist. Despite occasional resentment, Selena values her father’s guidance and recognizes his contribution to her success.

Dual Focus in the Film

The dual focus in Selena revolves around Selena’s personal life and her rise to stardom. The film portrays her journey as an artist, showcasing the hardships, sacrifices, and triumphs she experiences along the way (Kanellopoulou et al., 2019). Simultaneously, Selena’s personal relationships, particularly with her family and husband Chris, are explored, adding emotional depth to the narrative. By intertwining these two aspects, the film presents a holistic picture of Selena’s life and the challenges she faced both on and off the stage.

Sexism in Selena’s Career and Life

Sexism plays a significant role in Selena’s career. She confronts industry professionals who doubt her talent due to her gender, ethnicity, and perceived lack of marketability. The film highlights the perseverance and strength Selena exhibits in breaking through these barriers, ultimately earning respect and acclaim. Selena’s story sheds light on the struggles faced by women in the music industry and the importance of challenging societal norms and expectations.

Music as a Reflective Tool

While Selena may not conform to the traditional musical genre, the film utilizes music to advance the plot and reflect the characters’ desires and emotions. The song “Como La Flor,” written after Selena’s and Chris’ first pizza date, symbolizes their budding love and foreshadows their feelings for each other (Lindroth, 2014). Music serves as a powerful narrative tool, intertwining with the characters’ experiences and emotions throughout the film.

Conclusion

Selena, as a biographical film, captures the essence of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s life, while also addressing broader themes such as heritage acceptance and sexism. Through the exploration of Selena’s relationship with her father, the film highlights the influence of music in accepting their Mexican-American heritage. Furthermore, Selena’s encounters with sexism underscore the challenges women face in the music industry. Although Selena may not strictly adhere to the conventions of a traditional musical, the use of music in the film adds depth to the narrative and reflects the characters’ desires and emotions. Overall, Selena’s story serves as an inspiration, showcasing her talent, resilience, and cultural impact.

References

Asbring, P. (2001). Chronic illness–a disruption in life: identity‐transformation among women with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Journal of advanced nursing, 34(3), 312-319.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2001.01767.x 

Kanellopoulou, C., Kermanidis, K. L., & Giannakoulopoulos, A. (2019). The dual-coding and multimedia learning theories: Film subtitles as a vocabulary teaching tool. Education Sciences, 9(3), 210.https://www.mdpi.com/512028

Lindroth, J. T. (2015). Reflective journals: A review of the literature. Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, 34(1), 66-72.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/8755123314548046