Maria Luisa Bemberg and the Film Camila
Maria Luisa Bemberg is the director of the 1984 Argentine film Camila. The movie tells the tale of a young woman named Camila who develops feelings for a Jesuit priest called Ladislao. The story takes place in 1847, under the brutal dictatorship of Buenos Aires' ruler Juan Manuel de Rosas. The goal of the director was to depict the totalitarian government that was in place in Argentina at the time by following Camila's tale. Rosas' power and unjust methods of ruling were symbolized by the military, the church, and the red ribbons that each and every citizen wore as a sign of their allegiance to her. Anyone who did not support his ideologies lived in fear as he tolerated no dissenting views. The director illustrates Rosas' tyranny and injustices, through the execution of Camila and Ladislao despite the fact that pregnant women were not supposed to be executed.
Themes in the Film
There are several themes displayed in the film.
Oppression
The first theme is oppression as seen through the actions of the conservative government.
Love
Another theme is that of love as shown by Camila's and Ladislao's love toward each other. Despite all the obstacles in their love, they managed to stick together and in the end they were buried in the same coffin.
Insights into Latin America
The film provides much insights into Latin America and its trajectory.
Gender Inequality
First, we see how life was during the 19th century in Argentina. There was gender inequality and women were oppressed and isolated. They had no say even when it came to making important decisions in their lives like who to love or marry.
Stereotypes
The film shows stereotypes like that of gender where women were not allowed to have premarital affairs. Instead they were supposed to be passive and submissive to their fathers and husbands. Their place was either at home or at church. In other words, women had no rights.
Against Totalitarianism
Generally, the movie makes a strong case against totalitarianism and presents the case in a powerful manner. It shows what life was really like during this regime.
