Even if you do not know the name Danny Trejo, you know Danny Trejo. At worst, he is that tattooed tough guy from your favorite cheesy action movie, or maybe even the dude from the Brady Bunch Snickers commercial. For those in the know, he is the unlikely Mexican badass in Robert Rodriguez‘s Machete. No matter where you know him from, you are more than likely able to conjure some warm feelings toward him. He is one of the most prolific actors working today, appearing in everything from kids movies to your favorite gnarly, cult masterpiece. He is one of the meanest looking guys in entertainment, and he comes by it earnestly. Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo is the fascinating and moving story of one man’s redemption from convict to beloved celebrity told in unflinching detail.
Danny Trejo never truly wanted to be a criminal. As a child, he loved living with his grandmother and a multitude of female cousins. He took an interest in things that were not considered traditionally masculine in the 1940s. All of that changed when he was forced to live with his father, who took it upon himself to toughen little Danny up. This sudden shift led to a fractured relationship with his father, but pushed him into the orbit of his uncle Gilbert, a well-known neighborhood criminal. Famous friends such as Donal Logue (Gotham) and Michelle Rodriguez (Fast and the Furious franchise) give insight into how this set him on a path of robberies and heavy drug use at a very young age. Danny recounts a particularly shocking memory of the first time he overdosed on heroine at the age of twelve. Not surprisingly, Danny ended up in prison in various California institutions where he quickly earned a reputation as one of the most feared men in the system. This could have been the end of a life that had been squandered on bad decisions.
The film succeeds on the unfiltered access to Trejo, along with those who know him best. Many of Danny’s friends, including his current security guard, have also been in prison, and hearing them all describe how tough the system can be is truly unsettling stuff. Trejo deeply regrets the sins of his past, but he spares nothing as he details watching someone get killed right in front of him to no real psychological effect. With the realization that he had lost nearly all of his humanity, Trejo made a vow to turn his life around if he got another chance. After getting out of prison, getting clean, and even becoming a drug counselor, Trejo was finally living a productive life of which he could be proud. After a chance encounter got him a role as an extra in a film, Danny quickly became sought after for the authentic menace he brought to his role. With a wise sponsor by his side, Danny was able to avoid making any poor decisions and crafted a career out of being tough. The film provides countless hilarious stories from these early days on set with Trejo making an impression on the likes of Charles Bronson and Nic Cage.
The latter part of the movie is when we get a sense of the Danny Trejo we know and love today. Interviews with director Robert Rodriguez highlight how his career was able to make a turn where he could branch out from just being the nameless tough guy. Movies such as Spy Kids revealed a more gentle side that endeared him to a whole new generation of fans. That sweetness was not just for the screen; countless interviews in this film showcase how gentle and beloved he is by everyone and how he works to make up for his past misdeeds every day. While Trejo is incredibly kind to fans and those in his community, he goes beyond that by visiting schools and prisons to tell his story. He is a passionate speaker who truly cares about changing the lives of the most vulnerable. He understands that he is in a unique position, but he is quick to share his story in hopes it can help even one person make better choices. Danny does not want to erase the past, but he does want to do as much good in the present as he can.
Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo gives you pretty much everything you would want out of a documentary about Danny Trejo. You can feel the genuine warmth that radiates off of him in a convincing case for reforming prisoners rather than just throwing their lives away. While exploring the cultural impact of Machete, you come to understand how important that representation in a leading role is for latinx people. There is also a moment with Kermit the Frog that will genuinely bring a tear to your eye. This documentary will conjure a wide range of emotions, but the journey leads to a very hopeful place filled with love. He once may have been one of the most feared men in the state of California, but this film shows that the path to redemption is not impossible.
Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo is currently available to rent or own on digital platforms.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.