The Mexican (2001)

A man tries to transport an ancient gun called The Mexican, believed to carry a curse, back across the border, while his girlfriend pressures him to give up his criminal ways.

Director:

Gore Verbinski

Writer:

J.H. Wyman

Stars:

Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, James Gandolfini

3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brad Pitt	...	Jerry Welbach
Julia Roberts	...	Samantha Barzel
James Gandolfini	...	Winston Baldry
J.K. Simmons	...	Ted Slocum
Bob Balaban	...	Bernie Nayman
Sherman Augustus	...	Well Dressed Black Man
Michael Cerveris	...	Frank
Gene Hackman	...	Arnold Margolese
Richard Coca	...	Car Thief #1
David Krumholtz	...	Beck
Castulo Guerra	...	Joe the Pawnshop Owner
Mayra Serbulo	...	Emanuelle (as Maira Serbulo)
Salvador Sánchez	...	Gunsmith
Alan Ciangherotti	...	Gunsmith's Assistant (as Alan Cianguerotti)
Melisa Romero	...	Gunsmith's Daughter

Storyline

Jerry Welbach is given two ultimatums. His mob boss wants him to travel to Mexico to get a priceless antique pistol called "The Mexican" or he will suffer the consequences. The other ultimatum comes from his girlfriend Samantha, who wants him to end his association with the mob. Jerry figures that being alive, although in trouble with his girlfriend is the better alternative so he heads south of the border. Finding the pistol is easy but getting it home is a whole other matter. The pistol supposedly carries a curse - a curse Jerry is given every reason to believe, especially when Samantha is held hostage by the gay hit man Leroy to ensure the safe return of the pistol.

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Plot Keywords:

bulletproof vest | dead body in a car trunk | dreamworks | pistol | curse | 

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Taglines:

love with the safety off

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Crime | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

James Gandolfini wasn't nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2002 Academy Awards for his performance in the movie.

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Goofs

When Sam is throwing Jerry's stuff down from the balcony, her necklace jumps in and out of the top of her shirt between shots.

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Quotes

Jerry: I don't know what it takes! I'm new in the fuck you business.

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Crazy Credits

In the middle of the credits, when the first or second song ends, you hear the guy from the car rentals shout "RAOUL !!"

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Connections

References Seven Samurai (1954)

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Soundtracks

Safety Dance
Written by Ivan Doroschuk
Performed by Men Without Hats
Courtesy of MCA Records & Marc Durand Productions
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

Can't help but like this movie.

I have heard a lot of criticism (sp?) on this movie for various reasons. I have to say that I agree to pretty much every one. The plot is sketchy and incoherent at times, it crosses too many genres, etc. etc. The characters don't fit together right, but that's alright. For me all the flaws are what makes me want to watch The Mexican. For some reason I love this flick, even though I don't really know anyone else who cares for it! Why do I like this movie? I haven't figured that out yet, but I believe it's because I never tried to read that much into it, just sat back and took the trip. It will never make my top 10, but that doesn't mean its not worth repeated viewings. If you haven't seen it, give it a shot.

Details

Country:

USA Mexico

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

2 March 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Mexican

Filming Locations:

Belz Factory Outlet Mall - 7400 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$57,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$20,108,829, 4 March 2001

Gross USA:

$66,845,033

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$147,845,033

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dreamworks Pictures, Newmarket Capital Group, Lawrence Bender Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

DTS SDDS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1