Machete (2010)

About Machete

Machete is a 2010 American exploitation action film directed by Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis. This film is based on the faux trailer Rodriguez made for the 2007 film Grindhouse. It follows the story of Machete Cortez, a former Mexican Federale. After a shakedown gone wrong, Machete wanders Texas streets as a vigilante and day laborer. He gets hired to assassinate Senator McLaughlin, an extreme advocate against illegal immigration. The plan goes awry and Machete realizes he is in the middle of a plot of bias and deceit.

Making / Production

Produced by Robert Rodriguez's production company, Troublemaker Studios, Machete's filming took place mostly in Texas. The film is thoroughly invested in grindhouse-style aesthetics, with an emphasis on over-the-top action and gore, and pays homage to exploitation films of the 1970s and '80s.

Actors

• Danny Trejo as Machete Cortez. Trejo, regularly collaborates with Rodriguez, delivered an amazing performance as the gritty, resilient ex-Federale.
• Robert De Niro as Senator McLaughlin, his perfomance of the corrupt senator is dripping with irony and wit.
• Michelle Rodriguez as Luz, Michelle executes the role of a taco-truck lady with an underground identity flawlessly.
• Jessica Alba as Sartana Rivera, playing a custom agent torn between duty and justice, Alba does a commendable job.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was Robert De Niro's first action film.
• Despite being a quintessentially Mexican character, Machete was played by actor Danny Trejo, who is actually American.
• The movie was expanded from a fake trailer Rodriguez created for the 2007 film Grindhouse.

Awards

While Machete didn't win any major awards, it was nominated for an ALMA Award for favorite movie and Jessica Alba won the Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actress for her role.

Quotes

• "Machete don't text."
• "I didn’t hire him for his discretion. I hired him to kill. Bring me my double-D twins." - Booth
• "You just fucked with the wrong Mexican." - Machete Cortez

Music, Soundtrack

• "Machete Main Title Theme" by Chingon
• "Cortez and Booth" by John Debney and Carl Thiel
• "Wolverines Arrive" by John Debney and Carl Thiel
• "Sartana" by Tito & Tarantula