The story that is told in the documentary “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” is the familiar myth of a dreamer who finds tremendous fame, only to be pulled from the clouds by the sordid realities of life on the ground. If the film tends toward convention, it is saved from cliché by the bejeweled and beguiling presence of Walter Mercado himself.
Mercado was a Puerto Rican astrologer and true Pisces whose career as a television and radio mystic began in 1969. At the height of his fame, Mercado’s image was broadcast to millions around the world every day. He was a one-man spectacular — an androgynous visionary clad in Armani and armored with Swarovski crystals who defied masculine expectations to preach the power of love and light.
The documentary was made in the months before Mercado’s death in November, and in it, he and his loved ones recall past successes and struggles. In practically papal regalia, the lively octogenarian sits for original interviews, as do key figures from his life.
The directors Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch fondly present Mercado as a transgressive hero, but the style of the movie is staid, over-relying on talking head interviews, which only serve to box in larger-than-life personalities.
The film includes archival footage from his daily astrology broadcasts, and these brief clips from those lavish productions demonstrate all the transcendental purpose and cinematic vision that is lacking from the documentary itself. The movie is generous about allowing Mercado to present his view of the world in his own words, but it’s a shame not to be able to see the world through his eyes.
Mucho Much Amor
Not rated. In English and Spanish, with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 36 minutes. Watch on Netflix.
Source: Movies - nytimes.com
