The Rise and Fall of the Brown Buffalo 2018
Distributed by Phillip Rodriguez
Produced by Alison Sotomayer
Directed by Phillip Rodriguez
DVD , color and b&w, 57 min.
High School - General Adult
Biography, History, Human Rights, Sociology
Date Entered: 07/23/2018
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLSRodriguez’s The Rise and Fall of the Brown Buffalo depicts the life of Chicano lawyer and civil rights activist Oscar Zeta Acosta. Herein, Acosta’s life is chronologically sequenced. The events of his life are depicted through dramatization with portrayals of known associates such as the author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Hunter S. Thompson. The source material is drawn from primary resources further solidifying the veracity of this piece. Historical footage further demonstrates the significance of Acosta’s efforts.
Moreover, aptly themed transitory graphics are employed to designate each chapter of Acosta’s life. This reinforces the films panache and appropriately corresponds to his charismatic personality. The performance of the actors as it relates to the complexity of personalities as well as the zeitgeist of that period is stilted.
Thoroughly researched and presented in exacting detail, Rodriguez presents an exceptionally worthwhile biopic. A companion piece is Acosta’s novel The Revolt of the Cockroach People. Academic, public and school libraries serving populations concerned with civil rights should procure a copy of The Rise and Fall of the Brown Buffalo.