“I Am Cuba” (1964), directed by Mikhail Kalatozov, is a visually stunning Soviet-Cuban film that captures the essence of the Cuban Revolution. Through its unique storytelling and groundbreaking cinematography, the film intertwines four separate stories, revealing the political and social turmoil of pre-revolutionary Cuba. 🌴🎥
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example The sugarcane fields burningRepresents the destruction of the old Cuban order The nightclub scenesSymbolizes the moral decay and exploitation under Batista’s regime
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example The cigar factoryRepresents the working-class struggle and solidarity The American flag fallingIndicates the decline of American influence in Cuba
Allegory
Movie Scene Device Example The story of the farmerRepresents the plight of rural peasants The student protestReflects the broader revolutionary movement in Latin America
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example The opening funeral sceneHints at the inevitable death and rebirth of Cuba The girl’s monologue about freedomPreludes the eventual revolution
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Lavish hotel scenes vs. poor village scenes Highlights the stark contrast between wealth and poverty Peaceful countryside vs. violent city protests Emphasizes the widespread nature of the revolution
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example The American tourist sceneTourists oblivious to the brewing revolution around them The landlord’s fateHis wealth and power fail to protect him in the end
Hyperbole
Movie Scene Device Example Exaggerated wealth of Batista’s supporters Highlights the disparity between the classes The intensity of the student protestsEmphasizes the desperation and passion of the youth
Personification
Movie Scene Device Example Cuba as a suffering mother Portrays the nation as a nurturing but oppressed figure The revolution as a growing stormDescribes the unstoppable force of change
Imagery
Movie Scene Device Example The underwater camera shotsCreates a surreal, dream-like quality representing Cuba’s submerged struggles The sweeping landscape viewsHighlights the beauty and turmoil of the Cuban environment
Allusion
Movie Scene Device Example References to Cuban history and leaders Provides context and depth to the revolution’s background The religious imagery Connects the revolution to a moral and almost sacred duty
Character Studies
Maria (The Sugarcane Worker)
Device Explanation Metaphor Maria’s struggle with her crop represents the broader struggle of the Cuban peasantry Symbolism Her fields burning signify the destruction of the old ways and the coming revolution
Enrique (The Student)
Device Explanation Foreshadowing His speeches and actions hint at the revolutionary fervor that will soon ignite Irony Despite his idealism, his fate underscores the brutal reality of political activism
Pedro (The Farmer)
Character Dynamics
Maria and Her Family: The loyalty and unity among Maria’s family members underscore the collective spirit that drives the revolution.Enrique and His Comrades: Their camaraderie and shared idealism highlight the youthful energy propelling the revolutionary movement.Pedro and His Landlord: The tension between Pedro and the landlord epitomizes the class struggle central to the film’s message.
Colonialism and Exploitation
Device Explanation Juxtaposition Contrasting scenes of wealth and poverty highlight the exploitation by foreign powers Symbolism The recurring imagery of chains and shackles represents the colonial oppression of Cuba
Revolutionary Spirit
Device Explanation Metaphor The burning fields and rising smoke symbolize the revolutionary fervor spreading across CubaForeshadowing Early scenes hint at the inevitable uprising that will reshape the nation
National Identity
Device Explanation Personification Cuba is portrayed as a nurturing yet suffering mother, reflecting its cultural identity Allusion References to Cuban history and cultural icons strengthen the sense of national pride and identity
Social Injustice
Device Explanation Hyperbole Exaggerated depictions of wealth and poverty underscore the social inequalities Irony The downfall of the wealthy characters illustrates the futility of their power in the face of revolution
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Metaphor Low-angle shots of burning fields Emphasizes the devastation and the cleansing nature of the revolution Symbolism High-contrast lighting Highlights the stark differences between various social classes Allegory Long takes and deep focus Draws attention to the continuous and pervasive nature of social struggles Foreshadowing Ominous background score Sets a tone of impending change and revolution Juxtaposition Cross-cutting between scenes Enhances the contrast between different aspects of Cuban society Irony Satirical musical numbers Critiques the obliviousness of the wealthy to the brewing revolution Hyperbole Exaggerated sound effects during protests Amplifies the chaos and intensity of the revolutionary moments Personification Close-up shots of characters Adds depth to the portrayal of Cuba as a living entity Imagery Cinematic compositions of landscapes Creates a visual representation of Cuba’s natural beauty and underlying struggles Allusion Incorporation of traditional Cuban music Connects the narrative to Cuba’s rich cultural heritage
Scene Selection
Scene 1: The Nightclub
YouTube Link: Nightclub Scene
Breakdown:
Literary Devices: Juxtaposition , Symbolism Analysis: The extravagant nightclub scene contrasts sharply with the scenes of poverty, highlighting the stark social inequalities. The nightclub represents the moral decay under Batista’s regime.
Scene 2: The Funeral
YouTube Link: Funeral Scene
Breakdown:
Scene 3: The Sugarcane Fields
YouTube Link: Sugarcane Fields Scene
Breakdown:
Quiz Time! 🎉
Test your understanding of the literary devices used in “I Am Cuba” (1964):
Which device is used to contrast the scenes of wealth in the nightclub with the poverty in the streets?
The burning sugarcane fields are a metaphor for:
Which character’s story is an allegory for the hardships faced by rural workers?
A) Maria
B) Enrique
C) Pedro
D) The landlord
The use of traditional Cuban music in the film is an example of:
The visual technique of cross-cutting between scenes enhances which literary device?
