Mateo

Mateo, directed by Aaron I. Naar, is an intriguing documentary film that was released in 2014. The movie stars Matthew Stoneman, a singer-songwriter from New Hampshire, who is known for his distinctive music style. Mateo delves into the musician's deeply personal journey, exploring both his highs and his heartbreaks with striking candor and emotional depth.

The titular character, Matthew Stoneman, also known as Mateo, is not your typical musician. Despite his Caucasian and Northeastern American roots, Stoneman chose LA’s vibrant Latin music landscape as his creative playground. He's one of the only non-Hispanic mariachi singers in the city and is revered by many immigrants and locals alike. His enchanting voice and unique musical arrangements have won him numerous fans, continually breaking barriers of language, culture, and race.

Mateo chronicles Stoneman's life both in Los Angeles and during his regular trips to Cuba, where he spent years recording his dream project, a double album called "Maria Del Mar." The film provides an intimate look into Stoneman's life - his struggles, joys, and the many ups and downs he faced while trying to realize his passions and dreams. While the film catalogues his successes, it doesn't shy away from his failures and difficulties, painting a deeply empathetic portrait of a man caught between reflected glories and uncertain futures.

Where Mateo truly shines is in its portrayal of Stoneman as a multi-dimensional character. He is a gifted musician, but he is also a person with a checkered past. He was once a small-time crook and spent time in prison; these experiences provide the textures of his life, offering an additional layer to an already-talented artist's struggle to achieve his dreams.

In the film, we see Stoneman largely on his own navigating the highs and lows of being an independent artist in today's tumultuous music industry. The charm lies in his frosty persona navigating varying degrees of acceptance, rejection, admiration, and confusion among the people he deals with. His journey is marked by a persistent spirit and gives an inherent edge of suspense as to whether he will eventually find the success he seeks.

The documentary style allows viewers insight into Stoneman's life beyond the stage, casting light on different environments from his cluttered LA apartment to the streets of Havana. Viewers cheer for him in his successes and sympathize with him in his failures. The exploration of other facets of his life, such as his relationships and financial struggles, adds to the depth of understanding. It's a captivating study of a man who, despite the challenges life throws at him, continues to infuse his life with music and zest.

The backdrop of Stoneman's story is filled with the rich and colorful Cuban community, which is intricately woven through the narrative, and its portrayal in the film is especially commendable. This vibrant community, its charming lanes and old-school architecture, the rum-soaked evenings filled with music – all serve as contrasting backdrops to Stoneman's struggle and determination. The Cuban musicians' perspective on Mateo and his work lends a unique diversity in viewpoint.

One of the true strengths of Mateo lies in its sound. Stoneman’s music is a unique blend of melodies, infusing life into the film. Blending traditional Spanish music with a modern touch, the soundtrack is an absolute delight, unifying distinct narrative elements throughout the film.

In conclusion, Mateo is a touching chronicle of Matthew "Mateo" Stoneman's life and music career. It compellingly captures a story of devotion, struggle, and redemption. His unusual choices, unique musical style, and the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles and Havana make this documentary a truly captivating experience, enticing the audience to follow along on his captivating journey. Mateo is a melodious narrative of resilience and determination capturing the highs and lows of a musicians' life. For those fascinated by music, the human condition, and the extraordinary sagas of ordinary people, this film is not to be missed.