More Than a Movie: American Me

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S2: On this season of More Than a Movie, host Alex Fumero takes us through some of our favorite films that have impacted Latino Cinema. From Andy Garcia’s 1990 breakout role in Godfather III to Natalie Morales’s 2021 double directorial debut with Plan B and Language Lessons, this podcast looks at the story behind the story of Latino movies over the last several decades. Every episode will reveal something about the movie you didn’t know, feature interviews with the biggest actors, directors, writers and producers behind them, and tap into the history of Latinos in film.

 

S1: When Edward James Olmos set out on his directorial debut, American Me, he wanted to accomplish two things: to represent Chicano culture on the big screen and to save part of his community from gang violence. But when people were allegedly murdered because of their participation in the film and Olmos himself was allegedly extorted by the real life Mexican Mafia, it exposed the unintended risks of trying to represent someone with an agenda in mind, even a well-meaning one. On the 30th anniversary of the cult classic, host Alex Fumero and producer Nigel Duara delve into the true story of American Me and the legacy the controversial film left behind.

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  • Jogunz5
    2nd to last episode
    With the words the guy is using, it sounds like mundo. Listen to him on game of crimes. It sounds like him
  • elkc248
    Great podcast, too many ads!
    Love the content and execution but the length/number of ads in it is insane. And trust me I wouldn’t be writing this if I didn’t think it was really bad. Hopefully you guys take a look at other podcasts and make them a similar length because multiple 2.5 minute long ads within a single episode is not it. This is one of the podcasts where I actively skip the ads because they are so long.
  • Benji F
    Fuego
    Just started listening and I’m hooked. Loving this deep dive into this classic LA film
  • kikiandbelinda
    Lame
    The host calls the SHU something other than the real actual title; he used a dropout snitch to supposedly state the truth & there’s really no Corroboration. This was dummm
  • Sgdarmus
    Off topic
    I feel it goes off topic. Could of been a very good story about the connection with the gangs and what happen but instead we are listening how until this day Latinos are still not giving enough rolls in movies which is fine just wanted to hear the story behind the movies. It’s just gets boring.
  • AlMalThinks
    Keeps getting better
    Love the context and well-rounded framing of the time and place this movie was filmed in. This is a valuable history lesson on a part of LA culture I didn’t know much about.
  • BIGSMILEYSESDLKS13
    Fire
    Very informative.
  • Herrow herrow how low
    Talk Show NOT Documentary
    I legit learned more in 30 minutes of watching Danny Trejo interviews about American Me on DJ Vlad & a 15 min scene establishing of American Me, plus a clip of the Documentary about American Me — than 4 hours of this podcast that are 50% ads. This is so biased and overlooks Olmos’s entitlement, especially as a successful male in the Industry. They just lionize this coward for no reason. Bring up the Jerry’s Deli meeting with Trejo, but don’t say what happened! Had to go to the source. These dudes do NOT know ANYTHING about the film industry (I do), and the stereotyping of Latinos and glamorization of gang life this move brought about. It did the opposite of being a PSA — and if it was trying to combat gang recruitment, why bring REAL gang members on set to “act” in the movie? They also go a gang interventionist killed!! She was doing real work to save lives — and Olmos brought her in, used her, and had her working a degrading job on set. Don’t call this an audio documentary, then proceed to just gossip with has been actors & extras about what happened 30 years ago in disorganized interviews that produce nothing because these people know nothing about what actually happened behind the camera. They didn’t care. They took the opportunity for granted. ALSO — the irony of this host saying “Capitalism” or “gotta sacrifice blood to the overlords” before YOUR 3 MINUTE ADS that YOU PROFIT OFF OF is off the charts. Greedy. Lastly, stop calling MM “Chicanos.” Chicanos were actual activists and revolutionaries that believed in non-violence — not Mobsters doing whatever it takes to obtain money and power. Just shows how out of touch these suburban middle class kids are talking about this subject matter — just like the “DIRECTOR” (Actor) who made this movie that didn’t even bother asking human beings for permission to use their likeness and story in HIS script. You have to get permission. A good filmmaker making a Biopic SHOULD not only get permission — but SPEAK to them firsthand and get their story. Otherwise, do what every other “based on a true story” film does, and change some names, combine some characters — and then you can even get away with all the “creative license” this film took. Again, it created a stereotype of all Mexicans. It did not have a positive impact on the community. And per the comment about Hoffman & Pacino: if Dustin Hoffman EVER got cast to ACTUALLY play a Jewish character, and was able to get hired in Hollywood as an openly Jewish man — people would “remember him as a Jewish-American actor.” There’s absolutely NO Jewish representation in any TV or Movies or Documentaries UNLESS they’re playing Antisemitic trope or it’s featuring Hasids from Brooklyn to make all Jews look like weirdos! And the only actual representation’s always played by NON-JEWS like Robert Dinero! Quit being so ignorant. Danny Trejo actually has respect. Btw, on set, in LA, over half of the crew are Latino. You guys are so out of touch! My God.
  • alonzomourningfan33kidney
    A+
    I love this podcast I’ve been listening to it all week
  • Nick Ducassi
    Love the “American Me” podcast
    I LOVE this podcast. Smart, fun, informative, and really gets to some of the biggest questions I’ve had about the show. Big fan!!
  • guajiro6805
    Terrible
    Hands down the worst podcast ever written. Completely lacking in anything that could be considered even remotely interesting.
  • LilArt213
    Trash
    I listen to 3 episodes smfh! Jacob episode was good the others are wack I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone..
  • kyle17171717171
    Makes a good story unlistenable
    Could have made a story without 45 ads. So woke and dope too instead of just telling a story.
  • RoseEReid
    Fantastic
    Alex Fumero has an infectious energy. He breathes life and provides insight into the mysteries and backlash of this iconic film.
  • Kyle Rapps
    Loving this pod
    I grew up with this movie…such a classic. All of the behind the scenes drama is so beautifully and intensely covered in this pod. The Host has a great voice and interview style. Such an important one for the culture too…RIP to the lives lost.
  • LexiRoj💕
    Amazing!
    I heard an ad for this podcast and was immediately intrigued! I was on a mini road trip today and thought what a perfect time to listen and wow I’m impressed! I have to admit I am a black 28 year old women who actually lives in LA but never heard of this movie, but Alex sold me! Im going to watch this weekend. Alex’s knowledge and passion shine through immensely and I’m excited to see what other projects he takes on. Thank you!
  • Brown stains
    Good Content
    Good content, but the delivery is so choppy! Too many breaks in telling the story…
  • cowgirlbootsmade4walkin
    Great podcast!
    Love Alex Fumero’s voice. He’s so passionate about Latino’s in film. I love he’s bringing this story to light. He’s very thorough and has great snippets for context and understanding. He provides factual elements to support his conversations and doesn’t ramble. 10/10. Have been telling all my friends to listen. Love a good historical mystery.
  • Gail M. Reid
    Really liked this podcast
    Just listened to this podcast. I was totally unaware of this movie and it’s backstory. It held my interest throughout-it’s very good. One of the best I’ve heard in a long time. Great layout of the introductory intrigue and characters. It’s an intersection for movie lovers, Latinx community concerns and history and snapshot of a tumultuous time in LA and the US. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
  • SRA Magnificent
    Great show!
    Perfect for movie lovers, culture lovers, history lovers or anyone who wants to learn the history of this tumultuous time in LA.
  • nandovila
    Just a wild story that deserves to be known
    American Me is a Latino classic. But the tragedy surrounding the making of the film is little-known. Alex Fumero absolutely crushed as host of this seminal story.
  • SideshowBob6887
    Worth a listen
    This is a fascinating tale and the storytelling here is excellent…both well-written and expertly delivered.
  • jan_dro
    Incredible insight to iconic film
    Great investigation into an iconic film from hosts that live and care about its subject matter
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