How Denis Villeneuve created one of the greatest characters of all time

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Thanks for watching y’all - I love Denis Villeneuve so much I’ll probably end up doing a video on all of his movies at some point. We’ve already done Enemy and now Sicario - what should be next?

[@nadaolayan2541]

Prisoners. I love this movie and I find it way better and rational than Incandies

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Was thinking of doing Prisoners next! Had it on yesterday, god that movie is so good

[@omali1105]

Prisoners

[@nicholasolsen3360]

Okay, I have a question for you @TakeTwoReviews. Why did Alejandro shooting Silvio, the corrupt officer, bother you MORE than the guy who told Silvio, “Give me the keys,” at gunpoint? I’m honestly curious because I don’t see a difference between the two, except: 1. Silvio is wearing a police uniform and the other guy is wearing regular street clothing. 2. You see Silvio’s family throughout the movie. Maybe the guy who said “Give me the keys,” had three kids at home and a wife, but we just never see that? Now to be fair, Silvio’s death was sad to me, too. We don’t care about the bandit who got shot because we don’t know his story. I’m not sure if Alejandro was tasked with taking out Silvio for liability purposes, or he did it out of his own quest for vengeance. I don’t really have an answer to that question, but it just makes me go, “Huh… What if he was just a runner like Silvio?” We don’t have his backstory though so I’m not sure. You see what I mean?

[@toby23k]

Bladerunner 2049

[@dixieflatline1189]

For me this is one of the best films ever made. As an example, the boarder crossing scene lasts just over 4 mins. Only 19 seconds has any action. It’s a masterclass in building tension, trained violence and failed policies

[@TakeTwoReviews]

There's a great breakdown on KZbin about just that scene, and it's build up. I think it's called "one great moment of tension" or something like that - great watch

[@styx9193]

While watching this video I was actually reminded of that breakdown video of the border crossing. It just shows once more Villeneuve is one of the greatest of our era.@@TakeTwoReviews

[@arcacoma3524]

One of the most unique and profound films that was ever made...A thought provoking, Peerless masterpiece that absolutely blows the viewer away in all directions when the credits start rolling at the end.

[@hosoiarchives4858]

The failure isn’t the policy, the failure is human beings taking drugs

[@Nayson]

Probably a dumb observation, but I love how it's a car chase without any actual car chasing. Maybe because we've all been stuck in traffic it it's easier to connect with than if it were a high speed drive through city streets.

[@MoGhotbi]

Sicario is truly a masterpiece. Del Toro's performance is one of the best of the decade.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Absolutely yes!

[@byucatch22]

I think Emily Blunt and Josh Brolin are also spot on! But Denis pretty much always gets top shelf acting from his cast.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

@@byucatch22 yep - from what I’ve seen in interviews, he really works through characters with their actors, allowing an equal say in ideas on how they should be portrayed. Jake Gyllenhaal has spoken about this extensively both for his work in Enemy and Prisoners.

[@kdigitalproductionservices6581]

There's also his role in Reptile. That one sealed it for me that Del Toro is truly prolific

[@GooglyEyes73]

Perhaps the directors cut is a masterpiece, but this movie was made for the masses who have a short attention span. All in all, it’s not a bad action flick, but it could be a lot better.

[@angelmatos9143]

Even though there is never just one, you can look at Benicio in the eyes & tell him, “you’re one of the greatest actors alive”

[@3n3j0t4]

chill

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

No doubt!

[@KP-05]

I agree, he grabs your attention when he’s on scene

[@ponx_apex]

I mean the dude won an Oscar while speaking a different language. Whoa.

[@Giants4641]

Dr Gonzo

[@codpieceofjustice4595]

I watched Sicario without knowing anything about it. I was blown away. The climax literally shocked me. It's in my top 10. The ambient soundtrack fits so well. The movie is so minimalist and so raw.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Yup! So so good

[@MAYNOR82]

Minimalist & Raw. Perfect description for this film. These aspects you’ve described is what makes the movie real, as these things are still playing out today in real life.

[@digitalvictory8266]

Great call on the ambient soundtrack! Easy to overlook, but you're right - it's absolutely key.

[@Frosty16423]

On top of the soundtrack the visuals and scenery it shows is absolutely beautiful, capturing the slums of Mexico in a cinematic but brutal way is just a chefs kiss on top, and they didn’t need a nasty orange tint to show it

[@7rixee]

Minimalist but still full of intense and memorable moments. One of my favorites is when Del Toro presses the crooked cop Ted for info on the backseat of the car. Its so unconventionally written. I wish we'd see more stuff like that instead of hours of pointless cgi

[@cyberdyne3442]

" Less is more " and " show, don't tell " are the two most important things when narrating a story. Sicario proves that perfectly with Alejandro.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Wholeheartedly agree!

[@timothydavidcurp]

The same thing is at play in Dune 2 - Villeneuve trusts our capacity to see - and his own ability to show us dilemmas, struggles, and the costs of losing those struggles.

[@eriklee6786]

Not to mention Villeneuve, in giving the direction!

[@pistoleropr]

Benicio is often down here in PR. The man never refuses a picture with fans and is always well mannered, calm and warm with them. We're all so very proud of him. Giant.

[@SuperSedingAngeL-yr0]

Don't ruin it for him, man. You know how most races feel about us. 😔

[@jonathan3310]

A one year old video and this dude is still answering and liking comments. Now that is a great man.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

I DO IT FOR THE PEOPLE! But in all seriousness, thank you man - your comment really means a lot. This recent influx of interest has got me back to grinding more videos out.

[@SalemPhiladelphia]

@@TakeTwoReviewsi think it’s because of dune. I honestly thought that’s what this video was going to be about

[@schvyler]

I remember the feeling in the theater, which I was admittedly a part of, where the audience wanted Alejandro to kill his family in front of him. It was literally cathartic for the viewer when he killed his children and wife, I'll be the first to admit. Denis builds and builds to that moment and you realize you're rooting for a child-murderer, tricking the audience into losing their humanity -- a central theme of the film.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Thanks for sharing that - what an awesome moment! It's great how Villeneuve pulls his audience into questioning their own morals as they watch.

[@ATR000]

I've thought about this scene since I first watched back then. Being in the military and understanding the need for revenge. It was necessary for Alejandro to kill his family, considering it would repeat the cycle of revenge. The father is murdered, and the sons will seek revenge. Reminds me of one of the things that my friend said, with dead children in Iraq, he said, "future terrorist." Which has always stuck with me since then, like this scene

[@sluggak1363]

Naw to me it was an eye for a eye karma of those of evil in a moral realm we see it wrong but God has taken those of wicked an non wicked human mind can't put together why

[@Rana-ci6ns]

The things we deem necessary to justify horrible actions, often when we have lost control of the situation and have given up trying to do the right thing. If you can deem every innocent child a future terrorist nothing is off the table- kids in cages, war crimes etc etc

[@Samuel-ll2kr]

​@@sluggak1363How is killing children an eye for an eye.

[@samsoniteman]

Still to this day, Benicio not winning an Oscar for playing Alejandro is the biggest robbery of the 2010s.

[@-Swamp_Donkey-]

Oh no! What shall he do without the approval of jewish pdf files

[@ThePoliceDonut]

@@-Swamp_Donkey-touch some grass buddy

[@samsoniteman]

@@ThePoliceDonut lmao seriously

[@BlyGuy]

Though he is the main character of Sicario, was he considered a lead or supporting and who ended up winning in his category?

[@MegaHeelhook]

He didn't win because he won already, in 'Traffic',...and perhaps they overlooked him for that reason.

[@ichxro]

The “go ahead and finish your meal” then proceeding to just finish him without him taking a bite out is perfect cinema.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

So cold but...so fucking cool

[@oscartriangle6699]

He just didn't want to wait. Had the crime boss somehow (extremely unlikely) been less shocked and actually continued eating, Alejandro would have let him finish

[@literallyunderrated]

He did that because there would be more left for him. He hadn’t eaten anything that day and was hungry

[@UC4AQUgrQ9EwVIGoF0w7xHXg]

​@@literallyunderrated nice 👌

[@joshuapatrick682]

Alejandro isn’t supposed to be a “good or bad person” he is well past that. He is no longer human, he’s the manifestation of the dehumanizing effects of the “War on Drugs” and its consequences for the everyday folks who fight it.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Yep, he becomes the embodiment of an idea.

[@Xero_Wolf]

Agreed. People tend to like clear cut representation of good guys and bad guys and that's understandable. However I've always be fascinated by characters who aren't as black or white like that.

[@yukloop]

He has been let loose!

[@williamhermann6635]

​@@Xero_WolfYup. Were in the era of the grey character where nobody is solely good or bad. It more closely resembles real life where even normal heroes like police, fire, medics, military, etc are mostly flawed people who are far from perfect.

[@79dmcjr]

Such a great observation

[@Peter-id9wh]

I 100% agree that cutting all of the dialogue they did for Alejandro was the right move. I also know that having someone like Del Toro playing the character influences that decision. His physical performance is an absolute masterpiece. He makes this film.

[@joshuapatrick682]

The best part of the film is when he leaves her apartment; turns around and lets her take the shot. He doesn’t tell her that if she pulls the trigger she becomes him. But she understands, and relents thereby saving her humanity.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

YES! So good, I get chills everytime.

[@rjohnson387]

Life maybe like a box of chocolates; real life isn’t a metaphor. She wanted to kill him for what he did to her, for how he totally destroyed her sense of self worth, moral values and idealism. The other characters like Brolin contributed to her immersion into darkness, Del Toro was already in the pit of hell - he was 100 times worse because he made her completely aware of just how irrelevant she was to life and humanity - or to anyone who lives in that drug created pit too.

[@themarkl0813]

Great take

[@dave2132]

No she doesn't. She said she couldn't sign the fake statement and she did. She didn't not shoot him to prevent becoming him. She was out of her depth and she knew it.

[@themarkl0813]

@@dave2132 pretty much the same thing

[@jaywilliams8608]

Technical advising on this film was the best ever seen, Denis' willingness to change the script according to the professionals who gave Del Toro advice was the difference between this film and all others.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

YES! If only every Director could have the same approach. His movies really are the sum of its parts.

[@crazyralph6386]

@@TakeTwoReviewsVillenueve had the experience and trust to pretty much do whatever he wished. That’s a rarity in Hollywood, with only a handful of directors given that leverage. Most just do their 7 producers and 11 writers bidding, and collect a paycheque.

[@OconByrd519]

Alejandro’s backstory being left in mostly mystery, makes the film all the more interesting.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

100%

[@alanniederlitz8630]

Which leave a opening for another movie? possibilities

[@naazahs9045]

Read the script of the movie.

[@80club45]

Check out the 1994 sicario, it's like beginning of Alejandro as a sicario it's in Spanish dow

[@Nosyagent]

Benicio´s eyes alone can tell you a story worth more than a thousand words. Perfect fit for the role. Great collabo between Villeneuve and Benicio. That combo can´t miss!

[@rosacortes5074]

That's a Bad Ass BORICUA!!!!! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷 The man got swag. YHLQMDLG 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@Direfloof]

A scene that I can’t help but think of around this discussion is the scene with the deaf farmer in the second movie. I never get past their exchange without choking on tears. The grief, the tenderness, the intrusion of single-minded violence on what Del Toro’s character used to be, the tension in the farmer’s compassion for the girl and Del Toro’s intensely grey morality in the moment- gets me every time.

[@jaydee2304]

Absolutely. The second movie seems to be looked down upon somewhat, but the sheer standard of storytelling and film nous is breathtaking. Still a stunning achievement.... and Del Toro is unsurpassed.

[@PerfectoKiss]

The cinematography in this movie is mesmerizing!

[@TakeTwoReviews]

One hundred percent!

[@rich1231]

When I heard Roger Deakins was inspired by Alex Webb I instantly understood why this film cinematography was so appealing to me.

[@Lamidnightsss]

I love that he turned around at the end, and gave her the chance to shoot. Without having to shoot his back. As if he was walking towards her and she caught the threat. Testing if she really was a sheep or wolf. He was indifferent since he’s in agony. He doesn’t feel a right to live anymore and whatever purpose he had was done.

[@calebgao6931]

I actually think it's quite the opposite, he already knew she wouldn't shoot that's why he disassembled the gun instead of taking it away or unload all the bullets. He's last encounter with kate was the scene where he shot her vest in the hostage situation with the mexican police before he's threatening kate to sign the paper. When kate had a mental break down and starts tearing up, he knew she was still the same rookie aka the sheep that fears him the same way when he shot her and tell her to never point a weapon at him again.

[@WolfoftheWoodsAirsoft]

Sicario remains one of my favourite films. Alejandro is a very real character to me. His journey for vengeance is...epic. A few months on from my post i have thought some more about Alejandro and his journey. It is NOT a heroes journey, no passage through darkness into the light, justice did not champion evil...no Alejandro's journey remains in darkness. If they ever do a third film i wonder what more can they do with his character...he has no way back to a 'life' and death for him would be the peace he desires.

[@kuramobay2445]

Alejandro was a good guy who became a bad guy to better serve the good guys. He sacrificed his identity for the mission. There's a void within him that feeds on the blood of bad guys as they in turn feed on the blood of the innocent. He's a vampire that feeds on other vampires.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Yeah, agree - mostly. They gave him the means to an end, and he didn’t care who he hurt in achieving what he needed. 🧛‍♂️

[@kuramobay2445]

@@TakeTwoReviews You're saying he didn't care who he hurt because he killed the dirty cop and Alarcon's family? Well, you don't wear white when you take a fight to the gutter.

[@mrcojocaru]

I don't know if I agree with that. Wasn't he just out for Revenge? He didn't care who hired or paid him, he just wanted to to hurt those responsible for hurting his family

[@lusa3002]

Not... He became the monster that the beast forced him to become, the so called "good guys" are part responsible of his fate and are just a tool to achive his goal.

[@Lexington-jf9xr]

If you came away from Sicario thinking in any way that the CIA were the "good guys", you have either 0 media literacy or really shit political ideas

[@JerryRussell-v8y]

At the dinner table, after mother and sons are down, I didn’t know it was coming, but, ‘the sigh’ by Del Toro, was…priceless….

[@ricko6514]

I loved Sicario and the sequel. Your in-depth analysis of Sicario really drags you into the world of Alejandro; what he has gone through and what he does to avenge what was done to his family. With every action of violence on his part just makes you feel his pain in every vengeful moment. BDT portrayal of Alejandro is just top notch.

[@brycetrent]

I love characters like this so much. Along with Chigurh from No Country For Old Men, I think this is one of the best, most interesting portrayals on film in the last decade or more

[@gangsterHOTLINE]

Yeah man, I couldn't help but feel some of the energy of Sicario in No Country and vice versa. Silence is sometimes the best soundscape. Have you seen the True Grit remake with Jeff Bridges? Same director as No Country and from what I remember, quite intense for the same reasons. Edit: I feel stupid not remembering myself, but also not stating that its the Coen brothers lol. Duh.

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

@@gangsterHOTLINEedit: True Grit sucked.

[@farmansiddiqui9279]

Every single detail in the film is meticulously crafted. Just the shot of Josh Brolin’s character wearing slippers when he’s first introduced gives us a solid understanding of what type of character he’s playing. A true masterpiece

[@Bubbush]

I’ve never had a more visceral experience after finishing a movie, than this one. The menacing score of “The Beast” composed by the legendary Johan Johansson (RIP Titan) literally made me sick to my stomach. The feeling of dread and despair was actually palpable . And that’s why this is one of my all time favorite films from my favorite director and cinematographer.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

DEEPLY moving music - so so good. The entire score for this movie is just top notch, Johansson really really nailed what the movie was trying to emit.

[@lecobra418]

You should watch "Come and See" you will experience some guts wrenching scenes, and the themes are, to some extents, close.

[@Bubbush]

@@lecobra418 Come and See is a movie that haunts me and is ingrained into my brain with probably the most harrowing shots I’ve ever seen that were masterfully executed.

[@donaldelfreth553]

del Torro ages like fine wine. He has grown into a dead-serious enigmatic actor. He doesn't need a ton of lines to dominate a scene.

[@MikeAndFriends]

Bro you made a grown ass man cry with this voiceover story and edit. Well freaking done.

[@inlandindieP35]

One of the best film analysis' I have ever seen. I have watched Sicario twice and had understood maybe 75% of what made Alejandro tick. This excellently presented analytical work gave me the other 25% where the puzzle of Alejandro is now seamlessly completed.

[@marciosequesseque1421]

I watched Sicario almost by myself in the theater. Few people give it a chance. One of the best movies i ever saw.

[@calebgao6931]

tbf for the average viewer it's a little bit of a slow brun and too techtical for the average people, there wasn't much action going on between the kate and reggie house raid scene and the iconic border crossing scene.

[@DimasPratamakun]

This shows the brilliance of Benicio Del Toro. He can instill a character into the audience minds with his expressions and body language, minimal dialogue.

[@wes11bravo]

Alejandro is a complicated guy. His driving force radiates powerfully through the screen, as ambiguous as it is. Vestigal idealism of the man he once was remains enough of an influence that we don't stop wanting him to pull the story through. I'm left wanting more.

[@history_by_lamplight]

A fantastic look at an enigmatic character and the stellar on-screen performance that brought him vividly to life. ❤

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Thank you very much! :)

[@antilo_3x]

god do you know how satisfying it is to hear Denis' name being pronounced correctly 🤌🤌🤌🤌

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Ale is one of the few characters I've ever seen that has managed to put across the void that is left in a person from enduring such great loss. There is an emptiness and a detachment that is near impossible to explain, but he does a great job here.

[@MrSuperawesome5000]

I think that's a really important point. In cinema the typical mechanism to build characters for the audience is through intense expression of their emotions. It leaves the viewer starved in a way we don't expect and really emphasizes that void.

[@hexistenz]

Oh wow. Wow. I’ve not only loved this movie since the first time I watched, it I also admire it. It’s a masterpiece, a work of narrative, visual, emotional and even physical art. And your particular analysis of Alejandro gets to the heart of what, to me, makes it so exceptional. You really describe all the things that make his character so central. And also so complex, even with the very pared-down dialogue he’s permitted (and permitting himself) to speak. Villeneuve makes him a man who has very little he needs to actually say. Because in his context, there really isn’t that much that can be said, it’s all over. All that’s left is to perform his vengeance. This movie truly is a masterpiece.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Wow - thank you for the praise, and couldn't agree more with what you said!

[@MrHkballer1]

"Ahhh. You're asking how a watch is made. For now, lets focus on the time." GREATEST LINE EVER!!!

[@zone8848]

one of the most thoroughly studied contemporary film, and surely will be selected into college textbook.

[@scx9862]

This channel is criminally underrated

[@armanmalekinezhad4913]

the end when emily blunt refused to shoot him dead , and then the camera's angle of Alejandro with that sad eyes and that so depressing gray sky back ground was immaculate ; which the director wants to tell us he is a gray man just like all of us i never forget that extraordinary waves of emotion that i felt when i whatch that scene for the first time . it makes me cry and i dont know why . thx man man for this beutifuly crafted video .u r criminaly underrated

[@loganwelty7094]

Excellent video mate. Denis Villeneuve is without a doubt my favorite filmmaker. I’d love to see a video discussing his filmography as a whole. I seriously need to rewatch this flick again.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Thanks Logan - that’s actually the plan! Right now, I’m writing a video on Prisoners, and then will start on a video on Villeneuve as a whole, similar to my ‘why you should watch the Safdie Brothers’ video ☺️ Glad you enjoyed it man

[@javiergomezrodriguez3929]

Wonderful analysis! Thank you!

[@SmokesKwazukii]

Benicio Del Toro has been playing unforgettable roles for decades now and his achievements in the art form are too numerous to quantify, however, this analysis of his Sicario performance reminds me of another. Possibly my favorite badass character of his (especially if you set aside Sicario) comes from 2002's "Way of The Gun" where he stars alongside Ryan Phillipe as the modern embodiment of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. While Phillipe's "Mr Parker" often takes center stage and speaks much more in the film, Del Toro's "Mr Longbaugh" is implied to be the more experienced and more dangerous, of the pair. Another great character that, with minimal dialogue, is brought to life and given complexity; primarily by the things he does and the way he does them. The cold blooded efficiency and professionalism in how he operates give weight and meaning to the few words he exchanges. Words speak volumes simply because of just how well his actions and behaviors illustrate who he is, where he has been, and what he is capable of. Great and criminally underrated film. If you have never seen it, know that its a true gem for fans of movie gun fights, especially those that stay grounded in realities of them, never trivializing the danger, unpredictability and savagery that accompanies them. I cant recommend it enough. Think more Michael Mann than Villeneuve. Way of the Gun was directed by Christopher McQuarrie of Usual Suspects fame and also features James Caan and Taye Diggs as antagonists.

[@shanenelson5811]

Such a great film!! The beginning when they get jumped by a bunch of people is hilarious!😂😅 The dialogue between them, and Sarah Silverman's character, and her red headed boyfriend? Are so epic! 😂😅 Had completely forgotten about that film until I read your comment! Such an underrated flick! James Caan was damn good in that too!

[@haydenhigdon4353]

I will have to check that out.

[@timothykangethe7700]

The Casting is well placed, Emily portraying a sense of good in a scenario that's a lost cause and Benicio evening the balance...as a just cause. The Score is insanely fantastic befitting of the course subject and dark characters in their various roles. Excellent Job Denis and crew 🎉🎇

[@nathank6303]

I think Alejandro being a "good guy" or "bad guy" is irrelevant. To me the beauty in the storytelling of his character is that he is a stakeholder in the conglomerate that is made up of everyone involved in the drug trade. The Mexican cartels, the Columbian cartels, the various law enforcement agencies like the Federales in Mexico, and the US State police/FBI/CIA/ and the US Military. Both Kate and Alejandro happen to be the rubber that meets the road in this machine, and both of them are enabled to seek their own best interests by others seeking their own best interests. Kate interests are temporarily aligned with Alejandro's in "bringing the cartels to justice" until she realizes justice doesn't mean the same thing for Alejandro as it does for her. Alejandro is seeking justice for his family. In the end she concedes her definition of justice (she doesn't shoot Alejandro) because she realizes his definition of justice is necessary to the greater good, and the way he turns to face her on the balcony to give her a clearer shot was brilliant story telling. He's saying "if you think everyone's best interests will be better off, then shoot me" There is a cool foreshadow of that moment when Kate and Alejandro are in the pre-mission brief before going into Juarez. He tells her "nothing will make sense to your American ears, and you will doubt everything that we do. But in the end, you will understand."

[@TakeTwoReviews]

That's an awesome perspective - I think both theories on what he represents fit in the same reading for sure!

[@JimmieCooper-le6vj]

Benicio is my favourite actor of all time.Any movie or series he plays in is worth the watch,just because of him being in it !!

[@DaveDangeroux]

For how many countless times I've watched this film, and all my extra interest in it, I never knew about how much dialogue Sheridan had intended for Del Toro's character. I'm with Villeneuve - less is more. Thanks for a great video Take Two

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Ahh thank you so much! Really appreciate it

[@Perfection_NV]

Not going to lie this is one that I could only appreciate after rewatching it

[@leimleim]

Your essay is so eloquent and also fascinating. I loved it.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Thank you so much!

[@nelsonndapuka60]

I can listen to him all day..

[@subhankhalid383]

Aljendro character gives me Goosebumps, whene you look into his you can tell something ain't right..

[@adam8765smith]

First saw Del Torro in "The way of the gun" and was immediately blown away by his play and presence. In Sicario he's reached a league of its own.

[@seanseamands]

Watch him in fear and loathing in Las vegas..he's Damm near unrecognizable

[@hob976]

True Romance deserves this kind of attention.

[@EarthtoAdam95]

Cinematography and sound design/soundtrack are 10/10 in this film

[@TakeTwoReviews]

100% - I didn't mention the soundtrack but Johan Johansson did an amazing job (as he always does). The song called "Alejandro's Song" captures Alejandro's tragic character beautifully.

[@cbitchez7428]

Alejandro making your heart ache deeply is diabolical work

[@Chaoskind97]

Alejandro is just perfectly created as a character for this story told. 1. he is the embodiment of what you have to be to defeat an enemy that is ruthless and knows no rules 2. he also embodies the rule of cause and effect. The cartel took an honest man what made him stay on the good side and hence created the greatest monster imaginable. Ruthless, cold, methodical and without questioning what he does as the goal is all that matters by any means necessary. 3. he is the embodiment of what can happen when a man gets pushed into a choice where the question is if he will stay on the morally side or if he utilizes everytbing imaginable to reach his goal. 4. all of the above does not prevent us as viewers to take a liking to Alejandro as we can understand his personal loss that made him loose parts of his humanity. He is not a typical Revenge character like lets say Eric Draven from the Crow as the cop Alejandro kills is not one of the pure evil charcters usually used in revenge stories. 5. Alejandro is a perfect example of the Domino effect. A single action like killing his family has much wider effects than anybody imagined first. I wish in movies today were only more of suchcgreatly written characters as in the last 10 years it has become very boring. But i am absolutely thinking this will change again as the time of Marvel movies is over and the Disney mistakes show the effect we can see now. Hence there will be more interest in better scripts.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Couldn't agree more

[@sinncier]

I really enjoyed your narration in this

[@EscapeCondition]

Benicio has been a top actor since way of the gun. It was great to see him get material worthy of his talent in this and traffic.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Yep!

[@NorthridgeOG]

One of my favorite movies. Never get tired of it.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Same!

[@pricejoss]

It is an outstanding film. One of my favourites from the last 20 years.

[@eggarmvg]

Great video man. Del Toro is such great actor, he always leaves me in love with the characters he plays.

[@nicholasolsen3360]

This film is one of my absolute favorite movies of all time. I’ve watched it at least 30 times, a couple times I was drinking alcohol lol, majority of the time I was sober. The movie is so amazing to me though because it makes me question human nature, and the many governments of the world. It makes you question morality, it makes you question philosophy… I think this film should be shown in every film class. Every time I watch it, it sticks to my brain like glue…

[@tarran6176]

I've watch both shows, man they are good, I just hope he does a 3rd and follows up on how the 2nd film ended. Darn good shows. Thank you.

[@steeleheroesmedia4699]

Brilliant set of reflections. When I first saw Sicario i instantly knew it was a masterpiece. Time and the observations of others, such as yourself, have only solidified my initial impression. Story, character, theme that sunk their teeth in me and have never let go.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Thank you thank you!

[@MarkDavidBlack]

One of my absolute favorite movies of all time. Thank you for the video.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Mine too - my pleasure! Thanks

[@KutWrite]

Loved this film and everyone in it. del Toro in particular. Even in his early bit parts, he brought a vicious sadness to his roles.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Vicious sadness is a great great way to put it.

[@SeryBV]

Amazing that almost all of Alejandro's lines weren't in the final cut. The edit decisions were brilliant in furthering the sense of mystery and foreboding about him.

[@damianstarks3338]

This movie is a 💎and so is your analysis of this character.

[@boplax123]

I'm no film critic, I just love watching movies. But even when it first came out and the first time I watched it, I knew it was a masterpiece. Such gripping storytelling from start to finish.

[@SeanBreathnach]

Brilliant analysis of Alejandro's character - and now I am going to have to watch the film again :)

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Cheers man!

[@szymonskalka3319]

Great analysis of Sicario. A great use of cinematography is the scene at the end. You see Alejandro in the dark, Kate in the light.

[@justincooper1884]

Sicario had one of the best endings in cinematic history. He was able to do what everyone who has had someone(S) taken from them wishes they could do. Alejandro is one of the best characters in cinema, hands-down. Every kill he got, was what people had coming. Someones karmic debt can be so high that it affects people they care about, as the cartel leader found out the hard way.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Yes - absolutely - and it's so clinical.

[@heth300]

I saw this the night it came out in theaters. I was so blown away by it. The story, cinematography, the soundtrack, the acting...it was all so good. It's in my top 5 favorite movies.

[@mr.martyr8573]

I love that you touched on scene 8, 17, and 26. It ripped my heart out knowing this man's boy looked up to him so much and you got to see the "family side" of someone lightly working for the cartel. On one side you sympathize with him. Understanding that in his environment, its not easy to make money without being a part of the cartel's world. Then on the other side, you realize he's just another corrupt cop getting paid by murdering maniacs. Villeneuve did such a phenomenal job making us care about people we shouldn't. What a great film. The 2nd one however.....garbage. Lol

[@naazahs9045]

The second one was such a let down and yet the carryover from the first film made it somewhat just palatable. Hopefully Dennis directs the third one and brings it back on track.

[@savage7882]

The final scene really hammers in the reality in some parts of the world like Mexico. Gunshots interrupt a kids' soccer game, only for them to be a momentary pause of the match before the whistle blows again and they continue playing like nothing happened. It's a sick reality some people live in, and yet despite how the rest of us don't see these scenes with our eyes, we all breathe the same air.

[@mr.martyr8573]

@@savage7882 Exactly. I grew up in East Cleveland in some of the most violent times the city ever saw….Gun shots were just a part of everyday business. But then I moved to a small, quaint, tiny little town and people think the world is ending if they hear a car backfire. lol

[@CorbCorbin]

@@mr.martyr8573 It’s why cops, and the right side of the political spectrum, use Mexico and other countries in Central and South America, to put fear into U.S. citizens. It’s a control to keep them believing fearing those who flee those countries, and owning guns, or many guns, equals a safer country, state, county, city…

[@AzrealMaximus]

​@@mr.martyr8573 Whuuut!?🤯 it ain't ending?😵

[@op2380]

I've watched this analysis, rewatched the movie, rewatched this analysis. A deeper understanding makes both better. Fantastic work!

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Thank you very much!

[@brainiac31K]

I love this hard-to-watch movie and have seen it many times now. The score affected me greatly, especially as the Americans enter Juarez. I may not know all of Del Toro’s work but if it’s not his finest performance I want to know more. His character continues to amaze and scare me at the same time. The rest of the cast is stellar and deserves their own features and comments.

[@hexistenz]

Yes! The score, yes! It adds such a deep, semi-conscious level of atmosphere to every scene. Del Toro, ah … what can I say … he’s a very special actor. You might want to watch Traffic, his character in that movie is also fascinating, multi-leveled, and he plays him very, very well. And even his few scenes in The Usual Suspects are a joy to behold.

[@brainiac31K]

@@hexistenz yes, he first showed up on my radar in Usual Suspects. I came away much more intrigued with the actor when everyone was talking about the rest of the cast. Ditto Traffic. Basically I want to see any movie he’s in even the sad werewolf movie.

[@hexistenz]

@@brainiac31K werewolf movie? I’ll have to look for that, thanks! Curious to see what that’s all about

[@brainiac31K]

@@hexistenz The Wolfman. He looked paunchy and seemed to walk through the part. Was it pathos or lack of interest in the material? He’s done better things since.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Agree on every point - the score is so intense, and that border crossing scene has an almost permanently mounting sound, that just increases tension without letting go.

[@TheDjscottyrotten]

Great take. There is something about Alejandro that draws me in to watch this movie at least once a year. I put him in the same boat as Anton Chigurh from No country for old men. They both compel me and fill me with a dread at the same time. Akin to being unable to take my eyes off a car crash scene.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Yep, he's got a magnetic darkness to him - much like Chigurh!

[@MrL3G3NDK1LL3R]

Movie suggestions: Shot caller, Ex machina, Warrior or Nightcrawler

[@PeloquinDavid]

Yeah... "Nightcrawler" for sure...

[@PhuntKlapps]

I love these analysis videos. It gives such a great sense of keeping these slightly older and partially forgotten films alive and reigniting people's love for them

[@jylyhughes5085]

Sicario is perhaps my favourite film. A masterpiece by THE Master Denis Villeneuve. And yes, Alejandro is one of the most compelling characters in film.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

100%

[@thefeckineejit264]

I can’t think of any other actor that could have delivered this level of performance, after watching this movie for the first time, and having already like Benicio as an actor, I went and watched his whole past catalogue of films and it struck me how lucky we are to be able to witness a master at his craft and look forward to seeing more from him, all too often we don’t get to see our favorite actors journey as they have sadly passed, but with actors like Benicio or Sam Rockwell, to name but a few, we get to see true masters on their journey.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

YUP! He's so so good, a pleasure to watch in every role he plays.

[@surreal5444]

SICARIO is always my favourite not only because of its cinematic essence in every shots and scenes (as every Villeneuve and deakins monuments) but also for the straight forward,realistic SCRIPT. If you dig more into the realism of the cartel and undercover ops, you will start to realise this work as a DELIBERATELY COMPELLING FICTION.(which is the complete opposite of first impression). However, script writer TAYLOR SHERIDAN has dealt this contradictory phenomena with the most plausible and possible character archetypes.none of the character in this film were acted. They're just REACTED. And, that's what the true, realistic films do. I've been watching your essays since the TPBTP. one. You're are an excellent, well-analysing and keen writer. Keep working on this,you will get exactly what you're aiming for. Btw. Try to do HELL OR HIGH WATER written by the same writer.(my recomm.)

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Thank you so much for the thought out comment ☺️ definitely agree, the movie is rooted in fiction, but filmed in a naturalistic, almost documentary style. And love Hell or High Water, might give it a go in the future!

[@philipgori2451]

Del Toro is by far one on of the MOST underrated stars of all time

[@joeantonyy]

Love this channel, excellent work bro, keep'em coming.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Thank you so much - that’s the plan!!

[@gianm.marrero3420]

Perfect description ❤❤❤❤

[@onshaqnem]

Alejandro,Anton Chigur,John Wick,T-1000 are examples how little to none dialogue can make a character more interesting

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Add Vader to the list :D

[@Survivor83]

John Rambo in First Blood.

[@joannehettinger1250]

Outstanding job! To try to explain this film is almost impossible. This is one of the best films I have ever seen. Thanks again to you and the film.

[@Ajay140779]

I think the analysis misses a crucial point. Alejandro begins as a regular ordinary person, looking almost like a corporate executive bent into his phone but as the film progresses, he gradually becomes scarier and scarier, until in the end he is a terrifying monster.

[@MarkTorres-i1v]

Benicio presence is unbelievable, what an amazing actor

[@TheCronosCinemakaCorp]

Great essay, you nailed it. Benicio was terrific under Villeneuve’s direction. Also, your videos are really nicely edited!

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Thank you so much! I definitely spend a LOT of time editing - I really want it to work with what's being said - really appreciate the praise :)

[@tuahiva87]

This analysis of Sicario moved me more then the movie itself. A work of art.

[@alexdornenherz]

I will never understand why revenge is always demonized in our society. The thirst for revenge can keep people going who have suffered unimaginable trauma, people who have lost all hope. Revenge can give meaning to your life when all meaning of life has been taken from you. Revenge is a force of nature, when you seek revenge you become consequence, you become an instrument of a balancing force of the universe. It's true that revenge cannot give back what was taken from you, but it can help you come to terms with your loss.

[@theragingmoderate7797]

Revenge is bad for profit. If you can forgive, you can be maximumly profitable for society. It's only useful if you're in a business that benefits from people being afraid of you. Like dealing drugs. If you deal drugs, someone will F You over. That's the moment you'll have to decide. Am I B, who gets walked on, or is someone whose money needs to be respected.

[@freeflyer6170]

You are so wrong. The idea of balance in the universe in this instance is so misguided. It’s this misguided notion that perpetuates the endless wars and conflicts on this planet, ie. the Mideast conflict as one example. We may be living in a polarized environment on this planet, but the reason revenge is demonized is because the greater humanity knows intuitively that the most powerful force in the universe is Love. Waste your time on revenge, ……but that path will eventually lead you to a greater understanding.

[@alexdornenherz]

@@freeflyer6170 As Newton's law states, no action can be without reaction. The concept of revenge is woven into the laws of nature. Moreover, love and revenge are not opposing forces. On the contrary, the most common reason for revenge is love.

[@freeflyer6170]

@@alexdornenherz we obviously live on different planets. I’m checking out here. Have a good life.

[@alexdornenherz]

@@freeflyer6170 Right, you are obviously living on a different planet if you are not familiar with Newton's law and do not understand or deny one of the most basic human desires.

[@samjelanyoh411]

I've watched Sicario countless times and I'm always fascinated with Alejandro's character. He was so intense and the rest of the cast too was solid. Great review man.

[@hermanios2152]

I just watched your Enemy video and I'd like to thank you, it was perfect. I've immediately subscribed to you and I'm sure I'll watch more of your videos, they are insanely good.. I hope you're not discouraged that you don't have millions upon millions of views (which you so rightfully deserve) because I think in time, if you keep it up, it will come. Keep on keeping on brother.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Hey Hermanios - thank you so much for the kind words, comments like yours make my day hahah I might not post too much, sticking to one video a month right now, but quality is always the top priority, and between work/life and KZbin, that takes time 😊 But thanks again, I’m most likely doing Prisoners next, been on a Villeneuve binge, so stay tuned!

[@Happyheartmatt]

Thank you so much for this video. The story is worthy enough to stand with the all time classics. We can look inward to our own histories in dealing with trauma, the ego of revenge, through the journey Alejandro takes.

[@wcw07]

This movie is a true cinematic masterpiece

[@terratrodder]

Fantastic breakdown! I watch this about every year, still one of my top 3 movies. Characters, sound (another character), cinematography, all great.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

A work of art!

[@MrSuper12321]

One part of the film I feel isn't addressed enough is just that choice of name for Alejandro's persona. Medellín. I come from that very city he gets his name from, and though I'm much too young to have experienced the worst of the drug violence that affected us in the 80s and 90s, every day you walk in this city you are constantly reminded of the scars that it left deeply into the the spaces you inhabit, but especially on the psyche of all the people that surround you. There is a sort of angry defeatism that permeates all of us here that I am very much reminded of whenever I see Alejandro's cold dead stare in the film. A sense of having your life and future and humanity completely stripped away by the constant exposure to the worst acts of violence imaginable to a point of learning to just shut it all out and being left with nothing but an instinct of survival. And anger. Everyone here is so angry. Angry for all the people and things we have lost. And angry that we never seem to get better. Honestly, I cannot imagine a more perfect onscreen representation of my hometown than this, and for that, I will always cherish this film above many others.

[@TakeTwoReviews]

Full credit to what you mentioned - but part of the mystique behind his name is the fact that he was a lawyer there, and that's where his family was murdered. It's the place where the Alejandro we experience in the film was born.

[@Slim_Ch4rles]

Really well thought out comment. I feel that he gave himself that call-sign so that whenever he hears it, he's reminded of the family he lost and the very reason he maintains such an unshakeable will and an intense focus on delivering retribution to anyone who played a role in their brutal murders.

[@spaRTan3246]

It‘s really disheartening that one of the great movies of our time is butchered in the comments because people don‘t listen. All the right answers are given in the movie or found via a quick search. 1. He has been a prosecutor in Ciudad Juarez - a city so dangerous that they couldn‘t even shoot the movie in the town that part of it plays in. 2. The Mexican cartels killed his family. 3. Medellín is a celebration and a fond memory of the „good times“. The Colombian cartels were business partners of the United States. That‘s what they called „under control“.

[@Slim_Ch4rles]

@@spaRTan3246 TakeTwoReviews already answered the reason for his call-sign so I did not. My comment is from my personal thoughts on the character and just a theory. So much gets cut in editing what gets included, so the backgrounds of characters are interesting to wonder about. OP didn't get anything wrong, I believe he was merely saying he wished that the movie had gone into that a tiny bit more in depth. So nobody "butchered" anything, he lived in Medellín and related to how the movie portrayed a similar form of narco-terrorism that millions of Colombians lived through.

[@warrencrawfordart]

The film is a masterpiece. The script, the switch of viewpoint/ focal point. The sound design. I lived some time in mexico, and they really nail the feel of the place. Seen the film 15+ times now, and will always rewatch it.

[@c.r.chandler5905]

I disagree with the statement that Alejandro is the supporting character. In my mind, it's his story except it is shown through Kate's eyes. Everything in the movie in a sense revolves around his need to exact revenge on the cartel. He is a just a tool used by Matt however without Alejandro, the US would have had a much more difficult task in reaching it's final goal, eliminating Fausto. Kate is the unwitting lamb (us also as viewers) in that we are giving scant information about who and what Alejandro truly is until we reach the end. We know that Alejandro is truly death incarnate, we, like Kate, don't truly know what changed who I think was a good and gentle man into the machine that Alejandro became.