So How Big of a Difference Does Beauty Make in a Telenovela?
Since this blog has to be about production and I’m watching two versions of the same telenovela, I’m going to compare the production of the original Rubí and to the production of the new Rubí.
For some background: the original Rubí is from 2004 and has 114 episodes while the new one finished in 2020 and has 26 episodes. Both plots follow the life of the protagonist villain Rubí, keep many of the same characters, and maintain a very similar plotline. However, the differences in production start here.
I think the biggest difference in production is that the original Rubí casted an objectively more attractive cast. This is not just my option, but the option of many critics out there. Not only that, but the actors have more talent than the actors in the new version. Because of the attractiveness of the cast and their better acting, the original Rubí is more captivating than the newer one. However, since the original came out in 2004, there are some big differences in quality. The original has lower camera quality, worse editing and worse special effects.
The new version of Rubí cast a less attractive crew. On top of that, their acting is not as effective or dramatic as the original. The other issue I have with the new Rubí is that since the new one has so many less episodes, the writing of the plot seems rushed. There’s not as much time to get attached to characters or couples because the plot moves so fast. For example, the failed wedding between Hector and Maribel just didn't have the same allure as the original since it happened 3 episodes in. With all that being said, the new version of Rubí does have some improved elements compared to the original. The camera quality is higher, and the editing and special effects are superior which makes sense since it is nearly 15 years newer than the original.
It’s fascinating to me that the simple fact that the original Rubí cast more attractive characters than the new one, is a serious factor for many people when deciding which telenovela is better. I keep seeing blogs and comments about how Barbara Mori’s Rubí will always be better than the new Rubí simply because she is more attractive. I also see the same types of posts about the original Hector and Alejandro. And it’s especially fascinating to me because I actually agree with that thought process. Part of the reason I couldn't stop watching the original Rubí was how captivating her beauty is and how well she looks acting the different emotions- whether that be crying, yelling, scheming- she looks beautiful no matter what. It just goes to show you the difference an exceptional vs a good cast can make for the success of the telenovela.
Original Rubí is on the left, new version is on the right
I really enjoyed this blog post Maddie! I think that beauty/attractiveness of the cast is one of the most important factors in TV/movies. Like you said in your post, many people will argue that a telenovela or show in general is better, simply because the actors are more attractive. If I'm scrolling on Netflix or Hulu for something to watch, I always gravitate towards a show with an attractive cast. People like looking at pretty people, it's just a fact. I also think that as you mentioned, while the remake of Rubi might have better production aspects like camera quality and editing, viewers will still prefer the original Rubi because the cast is easier on the eyes. Lastly, I think viewers are easily blinded by the beauty of a cast, causing them to think the acting and production is better than it actually is, because they're more focused on the beauty of the actors. Overall, I really enjoyed your post and agree with what you had to say!
ReplyDeleteHi Maddie! Your post about the two different Rubí's are very interesting. Like you said, I think attractiveness matters, but to some degree. The attractiveness of the initial cast may be one of the reasons why the first show was more successful, however, I think that a lot of it also has to do with loyalty to actors and actresses. When a reboot is made, oftentimes, viewers will compare the second cast to the first, not only because of looks but personalities, acting ability and if the actors even look somewhat "alike," even if they are both beautiful or handsome. While this could potentially be frustrating for the second cast, it does not necessarily make them "unattractive" or a bad actor, but rather a deep bond between viewer and cast member formed in the initial years of screening, as well as a love and appreciation for the show the first go-around. It's hard not to compare, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteObviously you wrote this post a month ago, but I love how well it ties into the conversation we had with Mariaca today in class. She spoke about how, particularly for woman, telenovelas prioritize beauty over talent. This does not surprise me at all in general when you take gender roles into consideration. The expectations placed on the appearance of women are significantly higher than those on men: we are expected to not have any body hair, for our hair to fall perfectly, to wear makeup, to be fashionable... These expectations plague women regardless of industry. Part of what's unfortunate about the emphasis on women's appearance in the entertainment industry is that media perpetuates those expectations. It's like a vicious cycle — one I hope to see break.
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