El Nominado (2004)

In the brutal battle for ratings, how far will a reality show go? With a standout cast that includes Christian de la Fuente (Basic, Hidden Hills) and Rene Lavan (Christmas with the Kranks, Azucar Amarga), this hard-hitting, action-packed thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as contestants struggle to survive in the most extreme reality show ever. Dropped by helicopter into the snow-covered Andes Mountains, a group of 12 people live together in an underground bunker, every move of their lives captured on camera. Each week one of the contestants is voted off the show, but when one man refuses to leave and starts shooting people, the ratings skyrocket from meager to incredible. Cast your ballots for this twisted look at the reality show phenomenon.

Even non-Americans must be skeptical about reality TV!

Though this was in Spanish, it might as well have been speaking of reality shows in the US. Here, contestants are put through things just to keep viewers watching. Contestants have their own exhibitionist and self esteem issues. Some contestants are obviously chosen to play stereotypical roles based upon their identities, etc. This movie asks, "When are these shows going over the line?"

I believe this work was made in Chile. I am very disappointed about the homogeneity of the cast. I heard that Chile is racially diverse having indigenous people, Spaniards, and many of mixed heritage. In this film, all the characters looked 100% European. No Chileans with any drop of indigenous ancestry were given roles. I find this very problematic. Critics have said that Latin American TV and film often act like people of African or Amerindian ancestry don't exist and this film is glaring proof of that. For shame! August 11, 2008

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