The Motorcycle Diaries
The film is not simply a biopic of Guevara’s political awakening but a deeply personal coming-of-age journey, filled with breathtaking landscapes, youthful idealism, and poignant social commentary.
The film is set in 1952 and follows 23-year-old Ernesto Guevara (played by Gael García Bernal) and his friend Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna) as they embark on a road trip across South America on a dilapidated motorcycle. What begins as an adventurous and somewhat hedonistic trip gradually evolves into a life-altering journey, as Ernesto, a medical student at the time, witnesses the widespread poverty, inequality, and injustice faced by indigenous people and the working class. The journey profoundly shapes his worldview and sows the seeds of the revolutionary he would later become.
The Storytelling
The film’s narrative is simple yet effective, structured around the episodic adventures the duo encounters along their journey. Each stop on the road presents new characters and new insights into the reality of life in Latin America. What makes the film engaging is its balance between humor, introspection, and social commentary. Early scenes are marked by the carefree spirit of youth: Ernesto and Alberto’s banter, the unreliable motorcycle, and their romantic escapades. These lighter moments are gradually overshadowed by more serious reflections on social injustice as the journey unfolds.
While The Motorcycle Diaries could easily have become a didactic or overly political film, Salles and screenwriter José Rivera focus on the personal transformation of Ernesto, avoiding heavy-handed political messages. Instead, the film invites the audience to experience Ernesto’s growing consciousness and empathy alongside him, as he encounters various forms of oppression and inequality. The film’s power lies in its subtlety—rather than preach, it shows how Ernesto’s compassion and intellectual curiosity lead him to question the status quo.
Performances
Gael García Bernal delivers a standout performance as Ernesto Guevara. His portrayal captures the internal complexity of a young man who is, at first, naïve and idealistic but increasingly becomes disillusioned by the harsh realities he encounters. Bernal conveys a quiet intensity, portraying Ernesto’s moral awakening with authenticity and restraint. He avoids turning Ernesto into a mythic hero, instead grounding him as a real person undergoing a profound personal change.
Rodrigo de la Serna, as Alberto Granado, provides a perfect counterbalance to Bernal’s more introspective performance. Granado is charming, extroverted, and often serves as the comic relief in the film, though he too undergoes a subtle transformation as the journey progresses. The chemistry between Bernal and de la Serna is natural and believable, and their friendship is the emotional heart of the film. As the two men experience the highs and lows of their trip, their relationship deepens, reflecting the complexity of human connections forged in the face of shared experiences.
Visuals and Cinematography
One of the most striking aspects of The Motorcycle Diaries is its breathtaking cinematography, which captures the vast, rugged beauty of South America. Cinematographer Eric Gautier uses the natural landscapes—towering mountains, arid deserts, lush rainforests—not just as a backdrop, but as an integral part of the narrative. The landscapes mirror Ernesto’s inner journey; as he moves through the diverse and often harsh environments, his understanding of the continent’s cultural and social realities deepens.
The visual storytelling is often poetic, with long, sweeping shots that linger on the faces of indigenous people, crumbling villages, and workers laboring in fields. These images speak volumes, often more powerfully than the dialogue itself. The film’s aesthetic choices underscore the message that this is as much a story about a continent in crisis as it is about a young man on a road trip.
Themes and Impact
At its core, The Motorcycle Diaries is about transformation—both personal and political. Ernesto’s journey is not just a physical one, but an emotional and intellectual pilgrimage that leads him to question the world around him. The film explores themes of identity, social responsibility, and the role of the individual in confronting injustice. It’s a coming-of-age story, not only for Ernesto but for a generation of Latin Americans who were struggling to reconcile their rich cultural heritage with the deep economic and social inequalities plaguing the region.
The film also touches on the idea of solidarity. As Ernesto and Alberto encounter the marginalized and oppressed, they begin to understand the importance of standing with those who suffer. One of the most moving sequences is when Ernesto spends time at a leper colony in the Peruvian Amazon, where he connects with patients on a human level, crossing the boundaries of fear and stigma. These moments of compassion and human connection are at the heart of the film's emotional power.
However, the film avoids overtly romanticizing Guevara’s legacy as a revolutionary leader. Instead, it offers a snapshot of a critical moment in his life, allowing the audience to see how his experiences shaped the man he would become. The political implications of his future are left for the viewer to contemplate, making the film more reflective than prescriptive.
Criticisms
Some critics have pointed out that The Motorcycle Diaries glosses over the more controversial aspects of Guevara’s later life, particularly his role in the Cuban Revolution and his involvement in armed conflict. While this is a valid critique, it’s important to note that the film is not intended to be a comprehensive biography of Che Guevara but rather a portrait of his early years. By focusing on this transformative period, the film offers insight into the development of his ideals without delving into the complexities of his later life.
Another critique could be the film’s pacing, which, at times, can feel slow. The episodic nature of the narrative occasionally leads to a sense of meandering, particularly in the middle sections. However, this slower pace also allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the journey and the changing landscapes, both physical and emotional.
Conclusion
The Motorcycle Diaries is a beautifully crafted film that offers a nuanced and intimate portrayal of a young Ernesto Guevara. It is less concerned with his revolutionary future than with his emotional and intellectual awakening, making it accessible to audiences regardless of their political views. With its stunning cinematography, strong performances, and thoughtful storytelling, the film succeeds in capturing the spirit of a young man on the cusp of greatness, shaped by the people and landscapes of South America. It’s a deeply human story, one that resonates long after the credits roll.
Comments