Biopics, which relate the life of an important person or group with varying degrees of accuracy and fictionalization, are popular genre films. Biopics about female singers are more common than those about women in other professions except maybe queens. Look over the Women’s Film List in Canvas Files for all the titles I could think of. Of course, most are about Americans.

QUESTION

Women’s Biopics in Recent Hollywood – Selena (1997)

Biopics, which relate the life of an important person or group with varying degrees of accuracy and fictionalization, are popular genre films. Biopics about female singers are more common than those about women in other professions except maybe queens. Look over the Women’s Film List in Canvas Files for all the titles I could think of. Of course, most are about Americans.

Biopics about Latinas, of whatever profession, are extremely rare: Evita, Frida, Dolores, Chavela, Mercedes Sosa. I want you to watch a relatively recent Hollywood treatment of a very popular Mexican-American singer who died young.

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (1971-1995) was an American singer, songwriter, spokesperson (for MAC cosmetics), model, actress, fashion designer. Called the “Queen of Tejano music,” she brought Latin cumbia and Tejano music into the American mainstream and cracked the male-only barrier for Tejano music. She was idolized by her fans, even by the one who shot her to death at the age of 24.

Like I said about Queen Christina, women’s biopics are often a subgenre of drama and epic. But like that film and Madame Curie, they also often contain elements of romance and romantic comedy as well as melodrama. So many biopics about women singers dramatize a work-life-balance conflict—what’s more important to her: her family life? Love life? Career as an artist? What devices are used to express those conflicts, as well as the public’s adoration of her? Does she still have to choose only one path in the 1990s?

Again, ask these basic questions to come up with common elements of the biopic of a Latina singer:

• Why and how is the childhood of the subject introduced, if it is?
• What is the subject’s legacy (family and ethnic origin, parental issues, previous tragedy, socioeconomic background)?
• What stage(s) of the subject’s life does this biopic emphasize most?
• How is the subject’s appearance, and maintenance of it, significant to the film?
• How does the film show that the subject is remarkable, different from the rest?
• Is the subject cursed or burdened by some recurring force?
• What is the role of music in the woman’s life, whether it’s a defining element or just used in the film?
• What is the basic plot of this biopic? How are the events of her life narrated into a story?
• Who are the most important members of the subject’s inner circle (family, friends, associates)?
• What is the subject’s relationship with her public, if there is one?
• What objects, symbols, animals, people, words recur in this biopic?
• What is the role of romantic love in the subject’s life? The role of sexuality?
• Does the film trace the subject’s transformation? If so, what kind?
• How do other characters fight over the subject, and for what reasons?
• What is the takeaway about this woman’s life?
• How strong are traces of other genre films—epic, war, romantic comedy, romance, melodrama—in this biopic?

NOTE: I understand that Selena: La Serie (the series) will be available on Netflix streaming soon.

Watch Selena (USA: Gregory Nava, 1997; Amazon Prime Video, YouTube$, DVD2035Reserve)

A) Ask 3 discussion questions of your own regarding the film. The questions can be about specific techniques used in specific scenes, the characters, what being an entertainer entails, the plotline, the way musical performances are rendered, unexpected outcomes, montage sequences, the ending.

B) Answer 3 discussion questions posed by other students.

C) Respond to at least one other student’s post with polite agreement or disagreement, giving evidence for your point of view.

D) Read: “The Musical” chapter in Introduction to Film Genres. Comment on something in this reading that would pertain to an interesting discussion of Selena.

ANSWER

Selena (1997): A Reflection of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s Inspiring Journey

Introduction

Selena (1997) is a biographical film directed by Gregory Nava that portrays the life and legacy of the renowned Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. This film explores Selena’s rise to fame, the challenges she faced, and the impact she had on the music industry. In this essay, we will delve into the film’s portrayal of Selena’s life, its thematic elements, and its connection to the broader genre of biopics.

Discussion Questions

 How does the film capture the essence of Selena’s performances and musicality? 

– Selena was known for her captivating stage presence and unique musical style. Discuss the techniques used in the film to recreate her live performances and musical numbers. Analyze the choreography, camera angles, and overall production design that contribute to the authenticity and energy of Selena’s performances.

 In what ways does the film address Selena’s cultural identity and the impact it had on her career?

– Selena faced challenges as a Mexican-American artist navigating the predominantly English-speaking music industry. Explore how the film represents her cultural background and the struggle she encountered in balancing her Mexican heritage with her desire for crossover success. Examine the film’s portrayal of Selena’s interactions with her family, her connection to her fanbase, and her efforts to bridge the cultural divide.

 How does the film depict Selena’s personal relationships and the conflicts she faced in her personal life?

– Selena’s relationships with her family, especially her father and her husband Chris Perez, played a significant role in her life  (Paredez et al., 2009). Discuss how the film portrays these relationships and the conflicts that arose from Selena’s commitment to her career. Analyze the portrayal of love, sacrifice, and the tensions between family obligations and personal aspirations.

 Answering Other Students’ Discussion Questions:

Question 1: How does the film capture Selena’s vulnerability and growth throughout her journey?

– The film effectively showcases Selena’s vulnerability and growth through various scenes and character development. For instance, the film portrays Selena’s initial struggles with her image and the pressures she faced in conforming to industry expectations. However, as the narrative progresses, Selena gains confidence in embracing her true self and becomes a trailblazer for Latinx artists. The film’s use of montage sequences and intimate dialogues highlights Selena’s personal growth, making her journey relatable and inspiring.

Question 2: How does the film portray the relationship between Selena and her fans?

– The film beautifully depicts Selena’s deep connection with her fans, portraying her as a beloved figure who inspired and touched the lives of many (Whaley et al., 2011)

. It showcases her genuine interactions with fans, emphasizing the impact she had on individuals from diverse backgrounds. The film highlights the loyalty and admiration Selena’s fans had for her, illustrating the strong bond between the artist and her audience.

Question 3: What are the recurring symbols and motifs in the film that add depth to the narrative?

– One recurring symbol in the film is the rose, which represents Selena’s beauty, grace, and tragic fate. Additionally, the film frequently uses butterflies as a metaphor for Selena’s transformation and resilience. These symbolic elements enhance the storytelling and evoke emotions tied to Selena’s life and legacy.

Response to Another Student’s Post:

I respectfully agree with your assessment of Selena as an empowering figure in the music industry. Selena’s impact transcended cultural barriers, and her story continues to inspire aspiring artists. The film successfully portrays her journey, emphasizing her perseverance and passion for music. The performances in the film are particularly notable, capturing Selena’s vibrant energy and showcasing her musical talents. Overall, Selena remains a powerful biopic that honors her legacy.

 Pertinent Discussion Point from “The Musical” Chapter:

In the reading “The Musical” chapter, the notion of the musical genre as a means of storytelling through song and dance is explored. Selena incorporates musical elements to enhance the narrative, blending moments of dialogue with performances that mirror the spirit of Selena’s real-life concerts  (Davies et al.,1987). The film embraces the musical genre’s conventions by utilizing music as a pivotal element in capturing Selena’s essence and the emotions of significant moments in her life. It demonstrates how the integration of music enhances the storytelling experience in the biopic.

Conclusion

Selena (1997) serves as a poignant tribute to Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, showcasing her exceptional talent, cultural impact, and enduring legacy. Through its portrayal of Selena’s life, relationships, and challenges, the film offers insights into the struggles faced by women in the music industry while emphasizing the power of determination and self-expression. With its engaging performances, authentic musical numbers, and compelling narrative, Selena remains a significant biopic that celebrates the life of a remarkable artist.

References

Davies, S. (1987). Authenticity in musical performance.https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/2292/27057/Davies1987AuthenticPerformancewithcoversheet.pdf?sequence=6 

Paredez, D. (2009). Selenidad: Selena, Latinos, and the performance of memory. Duke University Press.https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=E0ahwKxObQoC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=+How+does+the+film+capture+the+essence+of+Selena%27s+performances+and+musicality%3F+&ots=fv9wg17had&sig=UmrdhBBb3-b_E73lrBrCY90VKtg

Whaley, D. E. (2011). Black cat got your tongue?: Catwoman, blackness, and the alchemy of postracialism. Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics, 2(1), 3-23.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21504857.2011.577280