A Million to Juan is a light hearted comedy starring and directed by Paul Rodriguez. In the film, Rodriguez’s character Juan, is an undocumented immigrant, who is struggling to obtain a green card. After his wife’s death, he is left to take care of his son Alejandro. As an undocumented immigrant, he has a hard time finding a stable job and has to resort to doing odd jobs to make ends meet. One day while selling oranges in a street corner he is approached by a man in a limousine, who hands him a check for one million dollars. Juan is free to use the money as he wishes with the condition he pays it all back in 30 days. This leaves him to figure out how to use the money best to build a better future for him and his family. Although the film is a comedy, it is evident that Rodriguez addressed many Latino stereotypes some being funny and some hurtful to the Latino community. In this blog, I chose to discuss the stereotype that Latinos are unintelligent and simpleminded. I also take a look at the stereotypical “spicy brainless Latina” played by Maria Rangel. In addition, I want to explore the idea that this film can very well be characterize as white savior film.
In this film Latinos are portrayed as being uneducated, making them appear as ignorant. Juan, who is the most thoughtful Latino in the film, aside from “The Angel” played by Edward James Olmos, who only appears a couple times in the film. Juan is not your stereotypical macho man who loves to party and drink, yet for some reason he is unable to make a smart decision when it comes to his future and the million dollar check. In the article, Latinidad and Masculinidad in Hollywood Script, whiteness in Hollywood is discussed. The article defines whiteness in terms of the characteristics that white people hold, for instance, being rational and orderly. The stereotype that Latinos are passionate and are unable to rationalize is well illustrated when Juan is feeling heartbroken. This is brought upon when Olivia breaks up with him, he gives up on his plan to own a business and returns to selling oranges on the street corner. Juan’s ignorance is also shown when he makes foolish financial decisions. For example, when Juan realizes the million dollar check is not fraudulent, the first thing he does is go on a shopping spree buying designer clothes and a luxury car. He is “too dumb” to think of the amount of debt he is accumulating.
The character of Anita, played by Maria Rangel, is one of the three major woman roles in the film. She plays Juan’s sexy Latina girlfriend. Anita is looking for a man that can take care of her financially, instead of working hard to provide for herself. She ends up breaking up with Juan because he can’t afford to give her the lifestyle she desires. A huge difference between Dolly Draper’s character, Olivia’s Smith, who is smart, hardworking, and selfless. Unlike, Anita who fails to see past Juan’s financial instability, Olivia Smith sees and nurtures his good qualities. Her look is dramatically different from Anita’s who wears an exaggerated amount of makeup, dresses is skin tight, provocative clothes that accentuate her curves. In comparison to Anita, Olivia’s make up is toned down and her wardrobe is simple and less provocative. She is the epitome of whiteness, in the other hand Anita is the perfect example empty-headed “Spicy Latina”.
One can make the argument that A Million to Juan in its own right, is a white savior film. As previously discussed, Juan is not capable of making a smart decision of how to utilize the million dollars to improve his life. This is until Olivia Smith, steps in to play a major role in Juan’s success at the end of the film. Olivia Smith is a smart, educated immigration worker, who sympathizes with the Latino community and assimilates to their culture. Before talking to Olivia, Juan goes on a shopping spree, opening credit in the most upscale, luxury stores in Los Angeles thanks to the million dollar check. After talking to Olivia, she reminds him that the money does not belong to him and he would need to pay back. She then gives him the idea to use the money as collateral to get a loan and invest in a business. Another example of Olivia coming to save the day, is when she sees the horrible living conditions Juan and rest of the tenants live in the apartment building. She immediately reports it, resulting in the landlord having to pay to fix what’s needed to better their living conditions. In the end, Olivia marries Juan and is now a successful man, thanks to her help.
Ultimately, A Million to Juan is a comedy created to suspend the audience from reality for 93 minutes and get few laughs. I believe the targeted audience were Latinos that can easily relate with the everyday struggles Juan faces. The problem is when examining the film in a more serious note, it’s hard to shake the notion that Latinos are being misrepresented by these simple minded characters and with Olivia Smith, we are reminded once again by Hollywood that we should strive for “whiteness”.
Ana S. Q. Liberato , Guillermo Rebollo-Gil , John D. Foster & Amanda Moras (2009) Latinidad and masculinidad in Hollywood scripts, Ethnic and Racial Studies, 32:6, 948-966, DOI: 10.1080/01419870802334549
Hello, I really enjoyed reading your analysis of this movie. It seems like a “cute” movie, but as you said when you examine it in a more serious note, there are tons of stereotypes. After viewing many of the movies in class, and reading through blog posts it seems that Hollywood views Latinos as simple mined people who are always struggling to fit in, and this movie seems to do the same thing.
The title alone would keep me from watching this movie. I agree with Marcy Hollywood believes we are these unflattering stereotypes. Hollywood portrays Latinos as these unfavorable and unsavory types just like in the Speedy Gonzales cartoons. I am offended by the whole concept that Hollywood had to have this character be this undocumented, illiterate immigrant selling oranges by the side of the road as the protagonist.
Wow! Thanks for the incredibly detailed analysis of a Million to Juan. It really makes me not want to see this movie! Lol! I am not surprised that Paul Rodriguez is behind this movie, given his comedic style. It is unfortunate that even Latinos are ok with portraying Latinos as impulsive and dumb. Even if it is just to get a few laughs, personally I don’t believe the trade off is worth the money; I am sure this movie did not make that much money.
I vaguely remember this movie, I am not a Paul Rodriguez fan, however, I love comedies that make a point. You went into great detail in explaining the film and its stereotypes. people think Latinos are not as intelligent as other races. Education in Mexico is not a priority and accessible. Poverty is prevalent so people work instead of going to school. That is the Mexican governments fault and should invest more into their education system. That is a excellent method of keeping people down and that is by depriving them of a fundamental education. i need to see this film again.
The post is well written, organized, and good points were made. Like Gerardo, I agree that education in Mexico is not prioritized or accessible to all of the people. Many Americans perceive Mexicans as uneducated and ignorant sadly, but I believe due to the unavailability of education. Even though in the United States of America education is available from Kindergarten through 12th grade, higher education is not provided. I am not familiar with the movie but after reading the blog and the comments, I will plan to watch it soon. Also, I enjoy watching Edward James Olmos. Have a good summer vacation.