The story of queerness goes back a lot further than many of us know. This fictionalized story, based on a real life event in 1901 Mexico, is about the closets world of queer Mexican upper class men, many in positions of power, and the way their private lives were exposed to the general public. The event had such an impact on culture in Mexico that the number 41 has been avoided in many aspects of life as it is associated with homosexuality.
41 is a beautifully shot period piece. It is shot to create a real sense of joy for the men as they find their space together, a space that is lush, overly sexual, and about finding connection. Focusing on real life figure Ignacio de la Torre y Mier, who has never been confirmed to have been part of this world, his outside life is rigid and painful, but upon entering the private mens club spaces he comes alive, finds beautiful companionship, and is, well, joyous. Director Pablos crafts the two realities so that both are intense, one rightening and frustrating, one delicious and exciting.
Beautifully costumed and decorated, 41 is a gorgeous film from start to finish. Its depiction of queerness is nuanced and varied. Although it focuses mostly on Ignacio's story, other men of differing ages and gender expressions are featured as well. And it all leads to a tragic end for the men, some of whom were sent away, others who bought their freedom, others whose careers were ruined, and generally who couldn't be themselves any longer. Hererra gives an amazing performance, including a wordless scene near the end where he just inhabits his gender non-confirming soul which is stunningly beautiful.
The film might somewhat gloss over the class differences that gave some of these men more freedom than others, but it is a love letter not only to those who attempted to live their lives despite all the odds, but also to those that were snuffed out by the culture they were railing against.
El Baile de los 41/Dance of the 41
Starring: Alfonso Herrera, Mabel Cadena, Emiliano Zurita
Director: David Pablos
Writer: Monika Revilla
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