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Silver screen “Bless Me, Ultima” is currently playing at theaters in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Española. Check local listings for theaters and times. |
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Like many New Mexicans, Benito Martinez grew up reading “Bless Me, Ultima.” Martinez immediately bonded with the 1972 Rudolfo Anaya classic.
As a boy, Martinez understood the coming-of-age story of the book’s lead character, Antonio Márez. As an adult, Martinez understood what Antonio’s father, Gabriel, struggled with in his son’s upbringing.
” ‘Bless Me, Ultima’ is one of those books that takes on a different meaning as you read it at different times in life,” Martinez says. “The other two are ‘Don Quixote’ and ‘Moby Dick.’ ”
Feeling so connected to the novel was just the beginning for Martinez. After decades of acting, the Albuquerque native was cast as Gabriel Marez, Antonio’s father, in the feature film adaptation of “Bless Me, Ultima.” In a way, the role was just waiting for Martinez.
“I grew up in the South Valley and met Rudolfo when I was a growing up,” he recalls. “My mom helped create La Compania de Teatro de Alburquerque, which was a bilingual theater company in the late 1970s. The company brought in Jose Rodriguez, who was an actor from Puerto Rico, for a workshop and it included bringing in Rudolfo. I was at the workshop and that was the first time I met him.”
Martinez and Anaya’s paths crossed over the course of three decades and their friendship grew.
“I’ve always been a lover of his work,” Martinez explains. “He was really the first author for me to write about the Chicano life. Along the way, this book was banned and burned, but after 40 years, it’s stood the test of time.”
“Bless Me, Ultima” is set in the small town of Guadalupe, N.M., during World War II. The novel follows the story of Antonio, who has a curandera named Ultima come live with his family when he was 6. The main plot line involves Ultima’s struggle to stop the witchcraft of the three daughters of Tenorio Trementina, the main villain. Antonio, who witnesses several deaths, is forced to deal with religious and moral issues.
Martinez says when he read the full script, he was impressed that it stayed so close to the book. He says being able to take part in the film for one of his favorite books is a dream come true.
Benito Martinez, left, and Rudolfo Anaya on the set of “Bless Me, Ulitma” in 2010. The New Mexico native grew up reading the classic novel and was cast in the film adaptation. (Courtesy of Benito Martinez)
“I couldn’t have imagined a better cast to work with,” he says. “It was amazing to have a nearly all-New Mexican cast. All of the characters are Hispanic and they are played by Hispanics. This doesn’t happen often in this industry.”
Aside from scoring a role in the film, Martinez has had a career that many would envy.
He’s had regular roles in the TV shows “The Shield,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Supernatural” and “Saving Grace.” He’s also appeared on nearly two dozen other TV shows for brief stints. When it comes to movies, he’s been in “Saw,” “Million Dollar Baby,” “End Game” and “The Dry Land.” He’s even picked up an American Latino Media Arts Award for his work in “The Shield” in 2007.
“I got my big break in 1992, when I was cast in ‘Mi Familia,’ ” he says. “This was one of my first major roles in a film, and it was a great experience. Being in ‘Bless Me, Ultima’ really reminded me of ‘Mi Familia.’ The cast stayed close and we all understood where each person came from. It was like being home.”
Aside from learning his craft in La Compania, Martinez also attended both Albuquerque High School and Rio Grande High School while he lived in New Mexico. The 41-year-old actor graduated from the famous Hollywood High School in Los Angeles.
“My parents were involved in acting, and they moved the family near my senior year,” he says. “When we got to LA, I applied to Hollywood High and got in. It was a huge change for this guy who only knew the South Valley.”
After high school, Martinez went on to study at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in England.
“Being there, I was one of maybe five Americans,” he recalls. “There was pressure that I put on myself to become the best actor that I could be. What’s great is that no matter where I am, I always have New Mexico with me and am happy to represent my culture and life there.”
SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter at @agomezART.
