What narrative purpose did choosing Berlin serve for expanding the *Machete* universe?

Tarantino & Rodriguez: Machete in Berlin – A Deep Dive

The Genesis of a Grindhouse Icon

Robert Rodriguez’s Machete (2010), and its sequel Machete kills (2013), weren’t born in a vacuum. They sprang from the “fake trailer” Rodriguez created for Quentin Tarantino’s Grindhouse (2007). this initial short, starring Danny Trejo as the titular ex-Federale, instantly resonated with audiences craving a return to the exploitation films of the 70s and 80s. The Berlin setting, though not central to the initial trailer, became a crucial element in expanding the Machete universe.

The appeal lay in the hyper-violence, over-the-top action, and a intentional aesthetic mimicking the low-budget, often grainy look of classic grindhouse cinema. key elements included:

Exploitation film Tropes: Drawing heavily from genres like blaxploitation, martial arts films, and action thrillers.

Danny Trejo’s persona: Trejo’s imposing presence and history as a reformed criminal perfectly embodied the hardened, no-nonsense character of Machete.

Rodriguez’s DIY Filmmaking Style: Known for his rapid production and hands-on approach, Rodriguez brought a raw energy to the project.

Berlin as a Narrative Hub: Machete Kills

While the first Machete film was largely set in the United States, Machete Kills significantly expanded the scope, with Berlin becoming a pivotal location. The choice of Berlin wasn’t arbitrary. It served several narrative and thematic purposes:

International Conspiracy: The plot revolves around a rogue arms dealer, Luther Voz (Mel Gibson), who plans to start a war. Berlin, with its history and geopolitical significance, provides a fitting backdrop for such a scheme.

European Action Cinema Influence: The setting allowed Rodriguez to incorporate elements of European action films, notably those from the 60s and 70s, further enhancing the grindhouse aesthetic.

Visual Contrast: The stark architecture and urban landscapes of Berlin offered a visual contrast to the more familiar American settings, adding to the film’s unique style.

The Machete’s Tool: Beyond the Film Set

interestingly, the machete itself has a rich history beyond its cinematic portrayal. As noted in past records, the machete is a versatile tool, particularly in agricultural settings.

Sugar Cane industry: Historically, the machete has been essential in sugar cane production, used for harvesting and clearing vegetation (see https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machete).

Agricultural versatility: Beyond sugar cane, machetes are used in various agricultural tasks across tropical and subtropical regions.

Cultural Significance: In many cultures, the machete is more than just a tool; it’s a symbol of labor, resilience, and self-reliance.

This practical history adds a layer of irony to the Machete films, where the tool is repurposed for extreme violence.

filming for Machete Kills in Berlin presented logistical challenges, but also opportunities. While much of the film was shot on soundstages, key scenes were filmed on location.

Tempelhof Airport: The abandoned Tempelhof Airport, a massive and iconic structure, served as a backdrop for several action sequences. Its vastness and brutalist architecture perfectly suited the film’s aesthetic.

Urban Landscapes: Various streets and buildings throughout Berlin were used for establishing shots and chase scenes, adding to the film’s sense of realism.

German Film Crew collaboration: Rodriguez collaborated with a German film crew, bringing local expertise to the production.

The Grindhouse Revival & Machete’s Legacy

The Machete films played a significant role in the revival of the grindhouse aesthetic in the 21st century. They demonstrated a demand for practical effects, over-the-top violence, and a rejection of the increasingly polished and CGI-heavy action films dominating the market.

Influence on Subsequent Films: Machete influenced a wave of self-reliant action films that embraced a similar aesthetic.

Cult Following: the films have garnered a dedicated cult following, drawn to their unique blend of action, humor, and homage to classic exploitation cinema.

* Danny Trejo’s Career Renaissance: The role of Machete revitalized Danny Trejo’s career, solidifying his status as a cult icon.