'Machete' to open here amid criticism

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Danny Trejo is cast as the title character in the new Robert Rodriguez film " Machete ." He is an ex-Mexican-federale-turned-renegade, kidnapper, would-be assassin and beheader of men.

And he's the good guy!

The ultra-violent "Machete" has a red carpet premiere Thursday evening at the Paramount Theater in Downtown Austin, where several of the film's scenes were shot, and it's creating controversy before it ever hits the screen.

According to reviews, Machete, the lead character played by Trejo, rallies a group of illegal immigrants to take his bloody revenge on those who have betrayed him - the evil, exploitive and racist whites littered throughout the U.S. power structure.

The movie is based on a fictional trailer featured in the exploitation-style movie "Grindhouse," a Robert Rodriguez/Quentin Tarrantino collaboration released a few years ago. "Machete" has been in production for more than a year.

With real tensions over real immigration policy, many claim the movie is loaded with incendiary political overtones that could exacerbate feelings between the races. When Arizona's controversial immigration law was signed this summer, Rodriguez released an explosive version of his trailer, in response to the law, that was quickly snapped up by critics of immigration reform. They claimed he had made the movie to glorify illegal immigration.

Note: Fireworks are expected to be shot off at about midnight at Austin Studios, 1901 W. 51st St., according to Austin Police Department, in connection with the after-party.

Check out the long-version, uncensored trailer here. Warning: There is some profanity.

Money is also at stake. The Texas Film Commission will eventually decide if "Machete" qualifies for state tax incentives, as much as 17% of production expenses, which most films shot in Texas receive.

"We will treat this like every other project," said TFC Director Bob Hudgins. "It's important to stick to the normal process. This is a very serious determination."

Although "Machete" is fictional, Hudgins says it will be important to determine: "Is it portraying Texas or Texans in a bad light?"

A decision on the tax incentives could be many months away.

Although his recent films have struggled at the box office, Rodriguez has made films totaling $620 million in box office sales, and he is a force on the Texas filmmaking scene - particularly in Austin.

His movie opens nationwide Friday, and it also stars Steven Seagal, Cheech Marin, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Don Johnson, and Robert De Niro.