Chavela

It's already hard to live in Mexico as a woman. When I try to imagine how that would have been in the 20's-30's, I'm simply mesmerized she survived, and not only that: she fought back and lived the way she wanted, even in an extremely misogynistic country. I can see in that interview in the 90s, that she really loved herself. She stopped drinking, she came out of the closet as a lesbian at 80 years old, she loved her surroundings, friends and adventures. She was pure love, and at the same time a strong and powerful figure. Must have been a whole new experience to see her sing live, because when you hear her songs, you can actually feel the pain: in your chest, in your eyes, in your stomach, in your soul. Love you, Chavela. You're such an inspiration.

Ah, 'Chavela', a documentary that delves into the life of Chavela Vargas, where the music is as intoxicating as the tequila she famously adored. This isn't just a film; it's a journey through the smoky bars and heart-wrenching tales of a woman who sang as if she had lived nine lives - and perhaps she did. Director Catherine Gund takes us through Vargas's story with the elegance of a matador, gracefully sidestepping the clichés that often plague biographical documentaries.

One moment you're in tears, moved by Chavela's raw, unapologetic voice, and the next, you're chuckling because, let's face it, the woman had a sense of humor sharper than the crease in a charro outfit. The film masterfully balances the somber moments with lighthearted anecdotes, like that time she claimed she could outdrink and outsing any man in Mexico. Spoiler alert: She wasn't bluffing.

But why the docked half star? Well, the film, much like Chavela's own performances, leaves you wanting more. Just when you're fully immersed in the world of rancheras and rebellious love, it ends, leaving you feeling like you've been kicked out of the best fiesta in town. Nonetheless, 'Chavela' is a beautifully orchestrated homage to a woman who lived her life in a blaze of glory, with a voice that could melt the coldest of hearts and a spirit wilder than any could imagine. Grab a tequila, settle in, and let the legend of Chavela Vargas sweep you off your feet.

I had the honor of watching this documentary at the Minneapolis St Paul International film festival. It is a wonderful montage of interviews, images, songs and videos of an artist so human in her vulnerability and yet so celestial in the life that she lived that making an objectively and truthful documentary just seems like an impossible feat and yet Catherine Gund and Daresha Kyi breaks all the complexity down for the viewer to capture the essence of this musical deity.

This documentary will leave a mark on you.

Wow, this documentary was impressive. I knew nothing about Chavela before seeing this film and it was an eye-opener.

I agree with another reviewer who said the film focuses more on her life than on her music. I also agree that I would have liked more on the music, but the film will lead me to search out more of her music. This film is the only thing that would give such an in depth look at her life.

The passionate intensity and exquisite pain of her approach to singing reminded me of Edith Piaf.

Chavela is probably someone I would have shied away from had I met her in real life...from the portrait painted of her in the film. Lucky me, I got to experience her from the safe distance of the screen at this Vancouver Film Festival viewing today, and I'm so glad I had that chance. This woman wasn't easy but she was strong, provocative and unique, and her complex character and passions challenge me to relax a little certain notions I have about people. That's a profound effect for a film, encouraging a more open mind. The audience was obviously with me in enjoying her emotional intensity, her contradictions and her commitment to expressive singing...leaving it all on the floor. It was a surprising to find my common-law husband not on the same page with me, at all. He says Chavela just didn't engage him.