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I Like It Like That

About the Film

Year Released:

1994

Running Time:

104

Documentary/Fiction:

Fiction

Synopsis:

"A Hispanic woman unexpectedly discovers a new outlook on life after taking a new job in this heartfelt, observant comedy-drama. Young Bronx mother Lisette (Lauren Velez) has enough to deal with without taking a job, as she is struggling to raise her three young children and keep her marriage to bicycle messenger Chino (Jon Seda) afloat. When Chino is jailed after committing a robbery, however, Lisette turns to the want ads to find a new source of income. Expecting a one-time modeling gig, she stumbles into a position as assistant to Stephen Price (Griffin Dunne), a white music executive handling Latino music. Lisette proves a natural at the job, finding a new sense of purpose and self-assurance. Unfortunately, Chino isn't particularly grateful for her efforts, especially after hearing a rumor that Lisette has been cheating on him with Stephen. Director Darnell Martin populates her debut film with a mosaic of colorful supporting characters, ranging from Lisette's transsexual brother (Jesse Borrego) to Chino's meddling mother (Rita Moreno)…”

-Blaise, Judd. “Review Summary,” The New York Times, accessed December 8, 2012, http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/133405/I-Like-It-Like-That/overview

Poster Image:

Director

Film Director:

Darnell Martin

Production Info

Reported or Estimated Budget:

n/a

Location:

Bronx, New York City, NY

Other Interesting Production Info:

The story takes place in the neighborhood where Martin grew up. There are many shots of places she frequented, such as her old schoolyard.

Categories About the Film

Genre:

comedy

drama

romance

Keywords:

family

incarceration

interracial relations

urban life

Racial/Ethnic Affiliation:

African American

Latino/a

Filmmaking Team

Writer's Name:

Darnell Martin

Producer:

Ann Carli, Victor De Jesus, Wendy Finerman, Lane Janger, Stephen Lloyd, Diana Phillips, Tracy Vilar

Cinematographer:

Alexander Gruszynski

Primary Cast:

Lauren Velez, Jon Seda, Tomas Melly

Exhibition/Distribution Info

Distributor:

Sony/ Columbia Pictures

Box Office Earnings:

$1777020

Where to find it/How to get it:

DVD widely available

Festivals/Awards:

Festivals: 1994 Cannes Film Festival

Awards:

1994 New York Film Critics Circle Award: Darnell Martin, Best New Director (Winner)

1995 Independent Spirit Awards:

Alexander Gruszynski, Best Cinematography (Nominee)

Lauren Velez, Best Female Lead (Nominee)

Darnell Martin; Lane Janger, Best First Feature (Nominee)

Jon Seda, Best Male Lead (Nominee)

Links

Link to the official film website:

n/a

Links to Official trailer:

I Like It Like That 1994 (longer trailer)

Links to interviews (written) with Director/Filmmakers:

David Sterritt, "Filmmaker of `I Like It Like That' Talks About Her Influences: Darnell Martin's upbringing inspired her poignant debut film," The Christian Science Moniter, November 25, 1994, accessed December 16, 2012, http://www.csmonitor.com/1994/1125

Analysis

Personal Film Review and Cultural Context:

When Darnell Martin directed I Like It Like That for Columbia Pictures in 1994, she became the first African American woman in Hollywood to direct a major motion picture. The plot revolves around choices Lisette Linares (Lauren Velez) makes when her husband Chino (Jon Seda) lands in jail, leaving her to care for their three children while insisting she stay jobless. The film resonates deeply with Martin, who grew up in a poor, single-parent household in the Bronx. In it, she recalls the vibrant music and colorful streets of her neighborhood. She also conjures memories, like the times her mother found only a few dollars to feed the family. The camera often gravitates toward the constant street drama, sporadically zooming in on characters’ faces to capture emotions they struggle to conceal. Eighteen years later, I Like It Like That is an inspiration to anyone looking to crack a smile in the darkest times.

-Ariel Kraakman

Readings:

Steve Monroe, “She don’t like it like that – motion picture director Darnell Martin’s ‘I Like It Like That’ focuses on character development,” American Visions;Oct/Nov94, Vol. 9 Issue 5, p43, accessed December 16, 2012, dio: 9411041845.