Antonieta (1982)

Introduction
"Antonieta" is a 1982 movie composed by Mexican author Carlos Fuentes and directed by Spanish filmmaker, Carlos Saura. It is loosely based on the life of Antonieta Rivas Mercado, a Mexican feminist, author, and patron of the arts who was actively associated with Mexico's cultural and political scene in the 1920s and early 1930s.

Plot
The movie opens in modern times (of the 1980s) with a French psychoanalyst and author, Anna (Isabelle Adjani), investigating her brand-new book about suicide. She learns about Antonieta (played by Maria Rojo), a free-spirited, wealthy Mexican woman who killed herself in Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral in 1931. Interested by her story, Anna sets out to Mexico to research study Antonieta's life.

Flashbacks and Historical Context
As Anna explores Antonieta's life, the movie morphs into a series of flashbacks, immersing us into Antonieta Rivas Mercado's world, covering from her privileged childhood, her failed marital relationships, and her participation in the Mexican transformation. As an ardent supporter of the arts, Antonieta contributed in funding crucial cultural tasks in Mexico, hosting gatherings at her home that were frequented by the nation's intellectual heavyweights like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

Antonieta's Personal Life
The movie explores Antonieta's troubled individual life. She was involved in two stopped working marriages, the first one with Alberto Campillo (played by Gonzalo Vega), and the second with Manuel Rodriguez Lozano (played by Hector Alterio), a reputable Mexican painter. She had a child from her very first marriage who she adored. Antonieta's gleaming social life contrasts with her deeply struggling individual life, marked by romantic turmoil, her child's death and mental health battles.

Political Involvement
Antonieta's political activities also form a major part of the plot. She was seen as a significant impact in the post-revolution Mexican political scene. She was buddies and enthusiasts with popular figures such as Jose Vasconcelos, who ran for the Mexican presidency, and was deeply distraught when he lost. This period of her life highlights her courage and dedication to the political and cultural life of Mexico.

Suicide in Notre-Dame
The culmination of Antonieta's personal and political battles is revealed when the movie explores her suicide at Notre Dame in 1931. She was deeply disillusioned by the state of her nation and the squashing defeat of Vasconcelos. Dressed in blue velvet, she goes to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris on Ash Wednesday, puts a revolver to her heart, and pulls the trigger.

Verdict
"Antonieta" is a captivating portrayal of a female who led her time, breaking away from social norms and fearlessly tackling political instability in her country. Rather than focusing entirely on the suicide, the film delves deep into what resulted in the tragic occasion, shrouding Antonieta's life in a light of compassion and understanding. Antonieta Rivas Mercado becomes a remarkable figure who, in spite of her tragic end, left a lasting tradition in Mexico's cultural history. With powerful performances by Maria Rojo and Isabelle Adjani, the film provides a poignant representation of Antonieta's life, her struggles, and her considerable contributions to Mexico.

Top Cast