Machete , released in theaters on September 3, 2010, is an explosive and unapologetically violent action film that serves as a love letter to the grindhouse cinema of the 1970s.
The film, co-directed by Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis, originated from a fake trailer in the 2007 double-feature Grindhouse. Its popularity with fans led to this full-length feature film, starring the legendary character actor Danny Trejo in his first leading role.
The movie follows Machete Cortez, a former Mexican Federal who was double-crossed by a drug lord. Now a drifter in Texas, he is hired by Michael Booth (Jeff Fahey) to assassinate a corrupt, anti-immigration senator, John McLaughlin (Robert De Niro). When the plot is revealed to be a setup, Machete, left for dead, embarks on a brutal and bloody quest for revenge.
The film’s strength lies in its over-the-top action sequences, memorable one-liners, and a cast that fully embraces the film’s campy aesthetic.
Machete finds allies in a taco truck revolutionary, Luz (Michelle Rodriguez), and a sympathetic immigration agent, Sartana Rivera (Jessica Alba).
He also confronts a host of colorful villains and anti-heroes, including a vicious cartel leader (Steven Seagal), a sadistic vigilante (Don Johnson), and a crazed, gun-toting socialite (Lindsay Lohan).
The cast is rounded out by hilarious performances from Cheech Marin as Machete’s priest brother, and Shea Whigham as as Sniper, Booth’s right-hand man and bodyguard.
The film’s narrative is intentionally simple, serving as a chaotic and entertaining canvas for its cartoonish violence and subversive themes.
Danny Trejo in Machete (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Reception for Machete
Machete grossed $14.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office, trailing The American ($16.7 million) starring George Clooney.
The film would gross $45.5 million worldwide.
Legacy
The film’s legacy is tied directly to its unique origin story and its successful revival of the grindhouse genre and is not a film to be taken seriously, but rather a celebration of cinematic schlock and a testament to Trejo’s enduring appeal.
Machete stands out for its bold style, unrepentant humor, and for finally giving a leading role to an actor who had long been the go-to tough guy in Hollywood and is a cult classic that continues to be celebrated for its audacious action and its perfect balance of satire and pure, visceral entertainment.
