‘Selena y Los Dinos’ Review: Definitive Doc on the Tejano Music Icon Surprises with Candid Footage and Unspoken Observations

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If we consider a live performance as sacred turf, then Selena Quintanilla’s show at the Houston Astrodome in February 1995, just a month before her unexpected demise, certainly fits the bill. From that night, the earnest opening lines of her hit “Como La Flor” seem like a prayer, leading into the bittersweet joy of the cumbia ballad. Footage from this historic concert is inevitably included in “Selena y Los Dinos,” a new documentary focusing on the Quintanilla family and Selena’s journey to stardom, directed by Isabel Castro, whose previous work, “Mija,” also explored Mexican American women in music.

However, capturing something unspoken and unseen about someone as widely admired and culturally significant as Selena Quintanilla proves challenging for a filmmaker. This can be achieved by accessing the Quintanilla family’s personal archives and skillfully weaving relevant themes through the material — much of which has never been made public before. Viewers familiar with the main events in Selena’s life, including her rise to fame and tragic end, will find renewed admiration for the performer as they witness her transformation from a lively child, enchanting teenager, and assertive young woman at the pinnacle of her career. The raw quality of the video footage, particularly its tracking lines, gives the entire film a vintage feel.

This definitive documentary on Selena feels comprehensive and enlightening due to candid family interactions found in home movies from their earliest performances at their restaurant, recordings of local Texas TV station appearances, and eventually images captured while traveling in a makeshift tour bus. Instead of humanizing Selena, the unposed images offer the closest possible profile of someone whose complete artistic journey will forever be shrouded in mystery.

Appropriately named “Selena y Los Dinos,” the film consistently highlights that the success of the captivating and gifted Tejano icon was the result of a collaboration led by her father Abraham Quintanilla, Jr., former member of the original Los Dinos band, with the help of his children-turned-bandmates AB and Suzette (both executive producers on the film), and their mother Marcela.

Castro’s interviews with the immediate family, as well as other musicians, songwriters, and producers who were part of their inner circle, reveal them speaking about Selena with hindsight 30 years after her passing. The pain of losing Selena is still evident, but they all appear eager to engage with this project as a celebration of life rather than a mournful farewell.

Castro tackles a challenging subject: a cultural icon of Mexican American heritage, who has already been the focus of a scripted drama, television series, and numerous documentaries, anniversary specials, and more. In addition to these obstacles, there’s an inherent challenge in making docs and fictionalized biopics about celebrities, particularly musicians: to use the songs and access substantial archival material, the estate’s cooperation is essential. This might limit the filmmaker from exploring less flattering aspects of someone’s life.

In collaboration with editor Carolina Siraqyan, filmmaker Castro subtly includes scenes that hint at the complex dynamics between Abraham Quintanilla and his children. These moments suggest that at times, the businessman may have been insensitive to his kids’ feelings or overly ambitious in pursuit of their success. One such instance is when Quintanilla dismisses Selena’s fashion ventures during an interview with Castro.

Notably, “Selena y Los Dinos” does not feature Yolanda Saldívar, the woman who ultimately took Selena’s life. Her name is mentioned only once through a news broadcast from the past, and Abraham Quintanilla refers to her as an unhappy employee in footage from a press conference. This deliberate omission from the official biographical documentary creates a symbolic disappearance.

The film emphasizes how Selena served as a powerful role model for young Americans of Mexican descent during the ’90s, inspiring them to reconnect with their heritage. A quick shot of two little girls watching Selena perform on stage underscores her impact within the community. It is evident that Castro herself might have been one of those fans who found Selena’s songs, style, and charisma instrumental in shaping her own identity.

For Mexican Americans, Selena’s significance runs deeper as she was not fluent in Spanish and didn’t grow up listening to popular Mexican music. Yet, through her work, she managed to connect with the culture. The interviews featured in the film showcase Selena’s growing proficiency in Spanish over time. Interestingly, while Castro doesn’t explicitly discuss Selena’s influence on the current global boom of Spanish-language music, it’s hard not to consider how the industry and culture have evolved since then, with Spanish-speaking artists now attracting large crowds worldwide and dominating charts at home and abroad.

To conclude, Castro and Siraqyan have skillfully created a heartfelt, engaging, and ultimately emotional portrait of Selena. The closing scene, which reminds us of her departure and the enduring legacy of her art, is particularly poignant. The chorus of “Como La Flor” serves as a fitting farewell: “Oh, how it hurts.

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2025-01-28 02:16