Director Behind Desperado & From Dusk Till Dawn Vows to Shift Away from Gun Violence in Films

Summary

Director Robert Rodriguez expresses concern about glorifying gun violence in future movies, citing the prevalence of shootings in the current era.

Rodriguez recognizes the challenge of responsibly depicting gun violence in his beloved Mexican series, even though it is meant to be lighthearted and entertaining. Despite his desire to explore the Desperado universe further, he finds it difficult to navigate the issue of gun violence in a responsible manner, especially considering its current significance in society.

Director Robert Rodriguez expresses concerns about perpetuating gun violence in future films. Rodriguez, known for his popular action movies like Desperado and From Dusk Till Dawn, as well as the children's series Spy Kids, is hesitant about revisiting the Mexico Trilogy, which includes El Mariachi and Once Upon a Time In Mexico. Although the trilogy has garnered a passionate fan base over the years, Rodriguez acknowledges his unease about creating content that glorifies guns, especially given the high frequency of real-life shootings in today's society. As he contemplates the possibility of continuing the Desperado universe, Rodriguez admits that responsibly portraying gun violence would present a significant challenge for him. Here is the full statement from Rodriguez:

Robert Rodriguez's Gun Control Stance Poses A Challenge for Desperado Sequel

Despite my fondness for the "Desperado" series, I believe it was ahead of its time. Presently, I find it challenging to engage in any content involving guns due to the alarming increase in gun violence. Although the series had a playful and satirical tone, it is still difficult for me to approach the subject responsibly. These films were undeniably enjoyable, comparable to "Spy Kids" for adults, featuring guitar cases that doubled as missile launchers and an array of gadgets. Nonetheless, as someone who still possesses a youthful perspective, it would be a challenge for me to portray the glorification of gun violence responsibly.

This reflective statement illustrates a significant shift in opinion compared to the previous perception of Rodriguez by the audience. Even the promotional materials for El Mariachi, Desperado, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico prominently display firearms, which are a trademark of this series. These movies embrace an amplified sense of reality by incorporating weapons such as guitar cases that double as rocket launchers or machine guns, depending on the film. Additionally, Desperado features Quentin Tarantino, a frequent collaborator, in a minor role.

Rodriguez's apprehension towards the glorification of guns in a potential Desperado sequel is understandable. Many action films, like last year's Top Gun: Maverick, casually portray guns as mere tools for action and drama. However, as gun violence continues to spiral out of control in the United States, this passive portrayal of guns becomes increasingly problematic.

Regrettably, Rodriguez's principled stance against guns may present a significant challenge when it comes to a Desperado sequel. The nature of the films makes it nearly impossible to create a film similar to El Mariachi without an excessive amount of gun violence. While Desperado is closely associated with guns, Rodriguez fortunately refuses to succumb to the pressure of making another sequel.

Source: The Wrap