FROM PRADA TO NADA

US, 2011, 107 minutes, Colour.
Camilla Belle, Alexa Vega, Wilmer Valderrama, Nicholas D' Agosto, Adriana Barraza.
Directed by Angel Gracia.

From Prada to Nada is based on Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, loosely adapted for the Los Angeles community, especially the Latin American community in East Los Angeles. The film plays with Jane Austen’s title by using Prada to Nada, a very good image of the wealthy family reduced to poverty.

The story is that of two sisters, played by Camilla Belle and Alexa Vega (the young girl from Spy Kids films). They live a luxury life in Beverly Hills but find that their father was bankrupt. They also find they have an unknown half-brother. Their challenge is to live with their aunt in a poorer community. The film follows the ups and downs of the two sisters, Camilla Belle as the responsible sister, trying to get a job, helping the poor. Alexa Vega is the arrogant sister, afraid of anyone in East Los Angeles, setting her cap at a lecturer only to be disillusioned to find that he is married, ultimately finding happiness with the handyman artist in East Los Angeles (played by Wilmer Valderrama). Adriana Barraza is the aunt. Nicholas D' Agosto is the sister of the arrogant woman who takes over the family mansion – but falls in love with the responsible Camilla Belle.

The film has a light touch, some comic moments, some moments of sentiment and romance, a comment on wealth and poverty.

1. A romantic comedy, the opposite of the Cinderella story? The basis in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility?

2. The title, the play on words – and a parallel to Jane Austen’s title?

3. The world of Beverly Hills, the affluent mansion, shopping, socialising? The transition to East Los Angeles, the streets and houses? The contrast?

4. Prada and the world of wealth and fashion? Not caring for others, selfish focus, inept at practical matters, presumptions? The world of Nada, the shock for Maria, her disdain, her fears?

5. The father, his moustache, the birthday dance and song, his death, the funeral, the will, his bankruptcy, the message about his son? Nora and Mary and their reactions?

6. The son, his marriage to Olivia, her control, ruthlessness, wanting to sell the house, ousting the sisters, not letting them have any possessions? The redecorations – and her ruthlessness with the workers, against the advice of her friend for conciliation? The meal, Edward arriving, his work at the law firm? The contrast with Olivia? His bringing the goods in the U-Haul? truck, the topiary, the pictures? His attention to Nora?

7. Nora and Mary, with their aunt, the aunt at the funeral, the stories, her taking them in, Bruno and the children carrying the luggage, Mary’s fears, disgust? Nora as practical, trying to learn to cook? Mary continuing her studies, Nora going to work?

8. Mary, at school, chatting with her friend, complaining about East Los Angeles, Rodrigo’s lecture on Garcia Lorca, her fascination, talking with him, the infatuation, his driving her, dropping off at the false mansion, meeting with him, trying to persuade him to buy their house? Being in love, his visit to East Los Angeles, Mary embarrassed? His decision to go to Mexico, the lie, going to the house, the introduction to his wife? A cad? Mary and her sadness, and the crash?

9. Mary and Bruno, their interactions, Bruno and his appearance, with the kids, handyman, work, art, the mural? The fiesta, wanting to dance with Mary? Mary in the wheelchair, the bond with Bruno, her deciding to stay in East Los Angeles?

10. Nora, Edward and the job, the advertisements, her small office, on the bus, talking with the cleaners, the issue of the mops, dismissals? The group coming to the office, Edward meeting with them? The confrontation with the employers, winning the case? The party, Edward kissing Nora, her refusal? Her law consultancy at home? Edward engaged, the invitation to the party, talking with Edward?

11. Mary in the hospital, the return home, the wheelchair? Edward and the U Haul, bringing all the equipment for the office? Declaration of love, the kiss?

12. The final fiesta, the black and white clicking photos? Joy all round? Happy endings?

13. Jane Austen issues for the 21st century, characters, the fairy tale and the real world?