The Devil Never Sleeps

Running time: N/A

The Devil Never Sleeps appears to be only the story of an interesting man and his family told after his death by his niece but it also reflects the cultural milieu of present day Mexico, its style and its mores. Lourdes Portillo, Mexico-born and Chicana identified, tells the story of her uncle Oscar through visits and interviews with family members in Mexico which she films in documentary style but which is often reminiscent of Rashomon in the way truth is seen by different observers. She discovers he has committed suicide which dumbfounds some of the family but becomes somewhat more understandable as his life unfolds through discussions with sisters, nephews, and his wife. Not only does his life become more visible but family relationships and attitudes in small-town Mexico are illuminated and contrasted with American culture through the questions the film maker poses and the answers she receives. This film is a distinct contribution to understanding the outlook and attitudes of Mexicans in a particularly insightful and personal way, something noticeably missing in the daily news coverage of Mexican affairs in the American media. --Ed Soohoo