El Gringo: Will you keep the Change?

The movie El Gringo (2012) carries a similar thematic element recollecting the experience of that of The Book of Eli; a single man struggling to civilize the chaotic world. Very much like Eli’s apocalyptic substance, Gringo too is set in a context where Americans have devastated a Mexican city and left it to the underground evil to take over (like Afghanistan). Remembering the Robin Hood style, Gringo distributes among the poor once much desired wealth meant for his own subjective end. In the place of material wealth it substitutes a destitute woman to fill the void in spirituality. Common for any Hollywood genre, this film too suggests that a single hero can bring order back to us instead of collective human actions.

Gringo arrives to this city after his fellow police officers were shot dead by a group of Mexican thugs believed to be run by Acapulco, nasty gangsters emerged to the vacation of Americans. After series of dreadful events Gringo sets foot to the city wanting some drinking water which is denied all the way through even to five thousand dollars. No water represents not only the physical barrenness but the hardness of the inhabitants and their relentlessness after some traumatic occurrences. The water initially coming out from the tap was full of contamination which illustrates the corruption that spoils the existence of the beings. There is no apparent symbolic authority to govern the city but a pervert anti-Oedipus false paternity, which simply plays with the Law. But unlike in Eli, people still remembers what Law means and how to be obedient to symbolic order. In people, we can still see the function of a big Other or justice (and what is right) is structured in their minds as a Master Signifier which finally drives them towards universal good.

Though Gringo could easily escape with his bag full of money after his confrontation with West, the culprit who betrayed everyone, he returns to this city of chaos from the Mexican broader. He wanted to save Anna whom he fell in love with during his short stay in the city. Eventually, after his return, he could almost kill all the gangsters and bring back order. He takes the police badge from Acapulco (once a Police officer himself) and places it in the hands of Anna symbolizing the return of Law and establishment of safety in the city. It signifies that until one day we reach universal humanity where no police is needed to control our behavior, police can function as a real father-figure to establish order in the world. It also shows gratitude towards the profession her father stood for and revenge for his untimely death. Before the money bag is thrown toward people, Anna asks Gringo “it is big money, what are you going to do with it?” Gringo replies that he would want a big glass of water with that money and she can keep the change. The glass of water is what he could not buy from this city even for a big money like five thousand dollars. But with goodness he received more than a glass of water from Anna for no money. Money could not buy virtues, no it can buy love. So, he throws money away and seems not want to go to his previous destination El Fronteras. When everybody throws their weapons away and even the gangster girl stabs her own leader, Gringo can leave the city as justice has taken over again. Should he stop here with Anna?

Why does he say that she should keep the change? Is it because he receives her body in return to change? Or is it because after all these adventures and fulfillments, there is 'something' still in us that cannot be filled with anything (the change; the remaining after the deal) least with a female body? Can she keep his change? Or should he precede his journey until he meets eternal peace where there is no change? Eli embraces his death with no balance in his hand after fulfilling his earthly duty. Gringo should go on because duty to himself is so far not done.