Voces Season 3 Episode 1 Children of Giant
- April 17, 2015
In the season 3 premiere of Voces, titled "Children of Giant," viewers are taken on a journey to a small town in West Texas called Marfa. The episode explores the impact of the classic 1956 film "Giant" on the town and its residents, particularly the Mexican-American community.
Through interviews with locals and experts, the episode delves into the making of "Giant" and the casting choices made by director George Stevens. The film, based on the novel by Edna Ferber, tells the story of a wealthy Texas ranching family and their relationships with their Mexican-American neighbors. The film starred Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean.
The episode highlights the struggles the Mexican-American actors faced during the filming of "Giant," including being relegated to background roles and treated poorly on set. Despite this, the film had a significant impact on the town of Marfa, bringing in much-needed revenue and putting the small town on the map.
"Children of Giant" also explores the themes of racism and prejudice present in the film and how they continue to affect the town and its residents. The episode features interviews with descendants of those who worked on the film, including actor Earl Holliman and cameraman Sergio Leone.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning shots of the West Texas landscape, as well as archival footage from the making of "Giant." The episode ultimately raises the question of whether the film's impact on Marfa was ultimately positive or negative for the Mexican-American community.
Overall, "Children of Giant" offers a fascinating insight into the making of one of Hollywood's most iconic films and its impact on a small Texas town. Through intimate interviews and breathtaking visuals, the episode presents a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of race, representation, and cultural identity.