American Me

The theme of Laemmle Theatres’ Throwback Thursday screenings in May is ... Viva la Raza!

Edward J. Olmos made his directorial bow with the powerhouse crime saga American Me. Olmos stars as street-gang leader Santana, who during his 18 years in the infamous Folsom Prison rules over all the drug-and-murder activities behind bars. Upon his release, Santana goes back to his old neighborhood, intending to lead a peaceful, crime-free life. But his old gang buddies force him back into his old habits. Olmos shot the Folsom sequences on location, using actual prisoners as extras and bit players.

“The movie was mostly shot on two difficult locations: The streets of East L.A., and inside Folsom Prison. It knows these worlds. The language, the clothes, the attitudes, are all shown with the understated conviction of a director who is sure of his material.” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times)