'Chavela' A Review

Chavela is a documentary about the life of Mexican ranchera singer Chavela Vargas. Through archival footage and stills, talking head interviews, a couple concerts, and one early 90's interview with the artist herself the film explores her life, influence, sexuality, and music.

Undeniably a fascinating figure and an incredible and moving musician Chavela is undeserved not by intention or design but because of lack of material. There are numerous protracted shots of photographs with narration under them as well as generic historical footage that is transparently filler. The 1992 interview with Chavela herself is by the far the most compelling aspect of the film however it is shot on a family-style camcorder of that time period so the quality is poor and it is also hand held, not on a tripod, which is noticeable only because it is in constant lurching motion. Whoever the amateur cinematographer is they were certainly well intentioned but the video is almost unwatchable, thankfully the audio is clear. That direct interview is easily the most compelling aspect of the film but even then the individuals interviewing her are constantly interrupting, based on context it is presumably friends so their casual relationship makes for a somewhat sloppy and scatter shot interview. We are treated to two live performances which are stunningly effective but it does make the filmmakers lack of material even more stark.

Not because of the subject but because of the lack of viable content this would be more appropriate as a podcast or hour long HBO documentary not a full length feature. Unfortunately there is nothing cinematic about Chavela the film even the the woman herself is more than worthy of the worship of celluloid.

Rent It.