Detailed Summary
Opening Scene: The Legendary El Mariachi
The film opens with a dynamic scene featuring Steve Buscemi as he tells the story of a fearsome mariachi to a bar full of rough-looking locals. This sets up the mythic status of El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas), a guitar-playing gunslinger seeking revenge for the murder of his lover and the destruction of his former life.
El Mariachi’s Search for Bucho
El Mariachi is on a mission to find and kill Bucho (Joaquim de Almeida), the local drug lord responsible for his suffering. Along the way, he encounters obstacles and gets entangled in bloody shootouts with Bucho’s henchmen. His signature guitar case, which is packed with weapons, becomes one of the film’s most iconic symbols.
The Romance with Carolina
While searching for Bucho, El Mariachi meets Carolina (Salma Hayek), the owner of a local bookstore. The two quickly develop a romantic connection, and she becomes his ally in the fight against Bucho. Their chemistry adds depth to the film, balancing the non-stop action with tender moments.
The Showdown at Bucho’s Compound
The film builds up to an explosive finale at Bucho’s compound. El Mariachi discovers that Bucho is not just another drug lord but someone from his past, which complicates his desire for revenge. The final showdown is packed with gunfights, standoffs, and classic action sequences that solidify Desperado as a quintessential 90s action flick.
The Climactic Twist and Conclusion
In a surprising twist, Bucho is revealed to be El Mariachi’s estranged brother. Despite this, the tension culminates in a violent confrontation, leading to Bucho’s death. El Mariachi walks away from the carnage, leaving behind the life of a gunslinger but uncertain of his future. The film closes with him and Carolina driving off together.
⇢ VIRAL RIGHT NOW
Movie Ending
Desperado concludes with El Mariachi and Carolina riding off into the sunset, but not before El Mariachi considers leaving his guitar case of guns behind—only to change his mind and take it along, signifying that his battle may not be truly over.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Desperado does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a neo-Western action thriller, blending intense action sequences with stylish direction, heavily influenced by both Hollywood and classic Mexican cinema.
Cast
- Antonio Banderas as El Mariachi
- Salma Hayek as Carolina
- Joaquim de Almeida as Bucho
- Steve Buscemi as Buscemi
- Cheech Marin as Short Bartender
- Quentin Tarantino as Pick-Up Guy
- Danny Trejo as Navajas (The Knife Thrower)
Film Music and Composer
The score is composed by Los Lobos, with additional tracks by Tito Larriva and Salma Hayek. The music is a mix of traditional Mexican sounds with rock, perfectly complementing the film’s vibe. The song “Canción Del Mariachi,” performed by Antonio Banderas and Los Lobos, is especially memorable.
Filming Locations
- Ciudad Acuña, Mexico: Most of the film was shot in this small border town, lending an authentic Mexican atmosphere to the setting. The dusty streets and vibrant locales add character to the film’s backdrop.
⇢ KEEP UP WITH THE TREND
Awards and Nominations
The film didn’t receive major awards, but it has gained cult status over the years, with many praising its stylish direction, well-crafted choreography, and memorable performances.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Desperado is a sequel to Robert Rodriguez’s low-budget indie hit El Mariachi (1992).
- The budget for Desperado was much higher than El Mariachi, giving Rodriguez more freedom with action scenes, resulting in elaborate stunts and shootouts.
- Antonio Banderas did many of his own stunts and guitar playing in the film.
- The chemistry between Banderas and Hayek was electric, leading to the iconic love scene that was as memorable as the gunfights.
Inspirations and References
- Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns: Rodriguez was heavily inspired by Leone’s films, particularly A Fistful of Dollars.
- Hong Kong Action Cinema: The film’s fast-paced gunplay and acrobatics draw influence from the works of John Woo.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The studio has not officially released any alternate endings or significant deleted scenes, though they did shorten some extended action sequences to improve pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Although there isn’t a direct book adaptation, the film belongs to Rodriguez’s Mexico Trilogy, alongside El Mariachi (1992) and Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003).
⇢ MOST SHARED RIGHT NOW
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Bar Shootout: El Mariachi’s introduction to the audience as he takes out a room full of thugs with style.
- The Knife Fight: Navajas (Danny Trejo) attacks El Mariachi with an impressive display of knife-throwing skills.
- The Rooftop Escape: Carolina and El Mariachi leap across rooftops in an adrenaline-fueled escape from Bucho’s men.
Iconic Quotes
- “I’m looking for a man who calls himself Bucho.” – El Mariachi
- “You know, it’s easier to pull the trigger than play guitar. Easier to destroy than to create.” – El Mariachi
- “You ever seen a Mexican jump bean? That’s what I felt like. A Mexican jumping bean.” – Buscemi
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The bar is named “Tarantino’s,” a nod to Quentin Tarantino’s involvement in the film.
- Robert Rodriguez appears in a cameo as a guitar player during the flashback sequence.
- Steve Buscemi’s character is a self-insert of Robert Rodriguez’s role in El Mariachi.
Trivia
- The team produced the film with a $7 million budget, a major jump from the $7,000 budget of El Mariachi.
- Salma Hayek’s casting was pivotal in launching her Hollywood career.
- The choreographers synchronized the film’s action scenes with the rhythm of the music tracks.
Why Watch?
Desperado is a must-watch for fans of stylish action films with a flair for theatrics. With its memorable performances, iconic shootouts, and a soundtrack that sticks with you, this film is pure entertainment from start to finish.
Director’s Other Movies
- El Mariachi (1992)
- From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
- The Faculty (1998)
- Spy Kids (2001)
- Sin City (2005)
- Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)