This is a novelization of writer Ambrose Bierce's mysterious disappearance in Mexico during the bloody revoution in 1913. Features two big-name stars: Jane Fonda in the unlikely character of a virgin schoolteacher and a wasted Gregory Peck in the title role, adding atmospheric sets and costumes. A North American teacher, Harrier Winslow (Jane Fonda, besides carrying the voice-over), recently arrived in Mexico to work in a wealthy family, finds herself involved in this outbreak of the Revolution. In this situation she lives a romance with one of Pancho Villa's generals , Arroyo (Jimmy Smits' silly moustache), while at the same time she finds herself attracted to Gringo Viejo (Gregory Peck), a North American writer who has traveled to Mexico to die. In the autumn of his years Ambrose finds a surrogate family, a daughter and a satisfying quietus. Harriet Winslow is something of a stereotype, initially brittle and later melted by love. Some people spend their whole lives searching for something !. Some people find it. A woman inspired by a man of dreams swept into the arms of a general, and drawn into a worlds of danger !.
Novelist Carlos Fuentes speculation about what actually befell writer Ambrose Bierce when he joined Pancho Villa's revolution down Mexico way in 1913 makes a riveting but no superior story. Technical troubles and cheesy script spoil the triumph that the producers expected, which turned out to be a commercial flop. Enjoyable but uneven film, it is rich in characters, Mexican environment, relationships and cultural clashes. The movie, though it doesn't look particularly notable, and often sounds rather literary, certainly bulges with content, and the principals, Ambrose Bierce: Gregory Peck, middled-aged spinster: Jane Fonda and revolutionary general Arroyo: Jimmy Smits grab the dramatic opportunities with both hands. The picture can't substantiate its claim to play out the personal drama in terms of this thunderous period history, but it's a worthy project and will probably send people back to the book in order to explore better the interesting roles and even better to Ambrose Bierce himself. Functional acting by all: Jane Fonda, Jimmy Smits but Gregory Peck, whose presence is wasted in a sketchy and unlikely role. They're accompanied by a fine cast, mainly Mexican secondaries, such as: Gabriela Roel, Jenny Gago, Patricio Contreras, Sergio Calderón, Jim Metzler, Josefina Echánove, Pedro Damián and Pedro Armendáriz Jr.
In Old Gringo(1989) excels the sensitive and evocative musical score by Lee Holdridge. Likewise , a colorful and brilliant cinematography by cameraman Félix Monti. The motion picture was unevenly directed by Luis Puenzo, including some flaws, gaps and shortcomings. Luis Puenzo was born in Buenos Aires (1946) Argentina, he's a director and producer known for Luces en los zapatos (1973), Las sorpresas (1975), La peste (1992) y Broken Silence (2002), La puta y la ballena (2004) and especially La historia oficial (The official story1985), which won the Oscar for Argentina for best foreign film. Rating: 5.5/10. It is a passable and acceptable film, but better to read the novel.
