Interview: Rodrigo Prieto's Mexican Touch in Oscar-Nominated 'Barbie' and 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

MIAMI - As the film industry eagerly anticipates the Oscars, set to take place this Sunday, Rodrigo Prieto, the renowned Mexican cinematographer, reflects on a year that has been as colorful and eclectic as his career.

Engaged in projects like "Barbie," "Killers of the Flower Moon," and the upcoming "Pedro Páramo," Prieto has brilliantly navigated through varied cinematic landscapes, infusing each with his distinct cultural perspective.

During an interview with The Latin Times, Prieto discussed putting his Mexican essence into all his projects, mainly the latest three. "It's impossible for an artist not to leave a part of himself or herself in each project, but these movies have a special connection" with me, he said.

México in the Oscar-nominated movies

In 'Barbie,' directed by Greta Gerwig, Prieto brought a unique aspect of his heritage to the forefront. He masterfully integrated 'Rosa Mexicano,' a vivid pink epitomizing Mexican vibrancy, into the film's palette.

"Incorporating Rosa Mexicano was a surreal opportunity to pay homage to my roots in an unexpected universe," Prieto commented. This creative choice highlights his skill in subtly weaving cultural elements into diverse narratives.

However, his work on "Killers of the Flower Moon," for which he is directly nominated at the Oscars in the category of Best Cinematographer, is where his connection to his Mexican roots is illustrated the most.

"This history belongs to all of us on the American continent," Prieto observed about the collaboration with Martin Scorsese, which delves into the tragic Osage murders. "It's a story born from the clash and melding of cultures."

Prieto employed distant camera angles and special Petzval lenses to add depth to the narrative. "We aimed to portray the violence with a respectful distance, using overhead angles and lenses that create a frame resembling a coffin," Prieto explained, emphasizing his intention to honor the victims while portraying the brutal reality of these events.

Anticipating "Pedro Páramo"

Prieto's directorial debut with Netflix's adaptation of "Pedro Páramo" marks a return to his cultural origins. "This novel, steeped in fear and fascination with the supernatural, mirrors elements that have always intrigued me about Mexican culture," Prieto shared, expressing his excitement about this project.

Manuel García-Rulfo and Tenoch Huerta lead the cast as Pedro Páramo and Juan Preciado, respectively. They are joined by Ilse Salas, Mayra Batalla, Héctor Kotsifakis, Roberto Sosa, Dolores Heredia, Giovanna Zacarías, Noé Hernández, and Yoshira Escárrega, among many other well-known talents.

With his four Oscar nominations and uncountable distinctions, such as the 2021 Vilcek Prize in Filmmaking and several Ariel awards (the Mexican Oscars), Rodrigo Prieto is one of the most essential filmmakers in the world and a Latin American movie royalty. He will seek to add yet another award to his cabinet on Sunday.