MovieChat Forums > Savages (2012) Discussion > Unconvincing Cartel Leadership

Unconvincing Cartel Leadership


Cartels have a strong reputation for being unnecessarily violent and ruthless. Why did they make a soccer mom the leader of the main cartel in this movie?

Think about the scenes that we see Elena in:
1) Eating ice cream and watching reality tv with a hostage
2) Calling her daughter and whining that she doesnt visit enough
3) Riding around on ponies
4) Calling her daughter a couple more times
5) Crying and giving up the second that an enemy gets an advantage over her
6) Getting arrested by the government and not putting up a fight

Shes not even aware of some of the major moves against her organization until days after they happen/whenever Lado decides to inform her. I'm pretty sure that she wouldnt last one day as the leader in any cartel. I thought Hayeks acting was fine, I just dont understand why they chose to write her character as such a wuss.

Anyone else agree?

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7. The Wig. Let us not forget the wig, or the extremely dramatic way it was revealed - ripping it off her head as if she was some over the hill Broadway diva having an alcohol-fueled meltdown backstage after a particularly bad performance. Hilarious.

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The only movie I've seen that accurately portrays a Mexican drug cartel is Sicario.

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Yes.
Ludicrous.

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