‘In the Heights’ is radically changing Latinx narratives in Hollywood
‘In the Heights,’ written by Quiara Alegria Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda, praises Latinx culture with a message that will inspire future generations. As a proud Latina and Native Nueva Yorker, I have been eagerly anticipating In The Heights. As soon as I saw the trailer, I knew it would be a pivotal moment in Hollywood history. But I didn’t expect all the emotions I would experience while watching. It’s the movie I’ve waited for my entire life.
Having Latino actors in starring roles wasn’t the norm in the 1980s, let alone an entire film about them and featuring them. Watching West Side Story on television and seeing La Bamba in the movie theater are memories I hold dear. Each film is excellent in its way. In the past, the leading roles with Latinx narratives were cast with non-Latinx actors. For me, that’s the conflict; I love them and embrace them as our stories, but they’re the whitewashed Hollywood way.
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It’s a shame I didn’t see In The Heights on Broadway (I still regret it), but previewing the script gave me a sense of hope during a global pandemic. Through storytelling and lyrics, Hudes and Miranda bring The Heights to life. In creative partnership, Asian director Jon M. Chu captures the historic beauty of Washington Heights streets. However, not being from Washington Heights – or even from New York City – isn’t necessary to enjoy the film. Despite its Latino theme, the story and characters are universally appealing. The Heights is a universal story of family and friendship, love and legacy, and achieving your dreams despite all odds.
In the past, most mainstream Hollywood movies portray Latinos as the help, the bad guy, or as the femme fatale. As a result, stereotypes continue to exist. Despite that, In The Heights features a diverse cast of Latinos, including business owners, entrepreneurs, academics, and artists. Besides showcasing the talents of Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jimmy Smits, Stephanie Beatriz, and Anthony Ramos, the summer blockbuster is changing the narrative of Latinx culture and celebrating the colorful background of our community.
Among the movies’ most memorable scenes is Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), giving the names of notable Latinos, surrounded by children from the neighborhood. Their portraits flash on the screen. In essence, it’s a nod to the audience that showcases historic Latinos and their accomplishments.
The film presents Latino culture positively, but it doesn’t ignore the challenges and complexities of being Latino in the United States. In The Heights addresses immigration and the Dream Act with a scene showing a peaceful rally of Dreamers. According to Education Week, nearly 100,000 “undocumented students graduate from U.S. high schools,” however they are still “at risk of deportation.” Inside Higher Education reports that “More than 450 thousand undocumented immigrant students are enrolling in higher education.” As an adjunct lecturer for CUNY, I encourage all of my students (specifically in my English Composition courses) to embrace their voice and their story through writing. I stress the power of the pen and that it can create real change.
Although not a Dreamer, Nina, played by Leslie Grace, is a Latina at a California college who faces her conflicts within herself as a few Latinos. When we first meet Nina, her hair is pin-straight. A trip to the salon remedies this as Daniela, played by Daphne Rubin-Vega, encourages her to embrace her natural curls. Latinx and Afro-Latinx often face pelo-policing from society regarding their natural texture in professional settings, which speaks volumes. As the natural hair movement has grown and more people embrace their natural coils and curls, this scene will resonate with many people. The way Leslie’s character Nina embraces her culture with confidence and pride will inspire many. Seeing Nina’s struggle to represent her neighborhood, the financial burden of tuition and her fear of failure also hit home for me.
While the main storyline revolves around Usnavi and Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), the budding love story between Nina and Benny, played by Corey Hawkins, is critical. Benny is not Latino and does not speak Spanish. However, he is very much a part of the community and immersed in the culture. Benny represents the diversity within a predominantly Latino community neighborhood; their love story highlights the acceptance of bicultural relationships.
The beauty of In The Heights is that it’s far from typecast. Cast members include cultural icons, familiar faces, Christopher Jackson in the Mr. Softee truck, and young budding actors. Latinos of all shapes, sizes, colors and hair types are within the film. In Carnaval Del Barrio’s performance, you will experience a kaleidoscope of culture that will fill your heart with pride and joy. Latinos from all backgrounds can relate to this film, no matter where they are from. It is no secret that Hollywood lacks diversity. A 2014 study revealed, “Latinos are almost invisible in movies.” This has been the ongoing struggle and discussion among Latinos in the film industry for years. In The Heights is a significant film for our community, so we must show up at the box office. If we want to see more movies featuring us, Hollywood needs to see the financial benefit. It’s an investment in ourselves. And for those outside the Latinx community, not only will In The Heights dispel all preconceived notions, but it will leave you wanting to know more. In The Heights is just the beginning of Latinx representation at its very best.
In The Heights debuts on June 10th at the movie theaters and HBO Max, be sure to support this Latinx film this summer.
Comments.
Melinda Vinales
Love the article Lisa! Watching it with daughter later today❤ I hope to see more of us Latinas on the big screen like this!