Imagine a modern adaptation of George Cukor’s classic film, The Women, reimagined as a Spanish-language telenovela set in the vibrant landscapes of Ecuador. Now, envision this captivating series directed by the acclaimed Pedro Almodóvar, utilizing stop-motion animation to bring its characters to life, rather than relying on Hollywood icons like Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer. This thought experiment closely mirrors Adult Swim’s Women Wearing Shoulder Pads, a groundbreaking show that challenges norms and explores the complex intersections of identity, colonialism, and capitalism.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Women Wearing Shoulder Pads creator Gonzalo Cordova, along with the co-founders of Cinema Fantasma, Arturo and Roy Ambriz. They shared their vision of the series as a platform to delve into the multifaceted nature of Latin American identity. Despite its comedic elements, the creators aimed for the show to authentically represent the nuances of life in South America. To achieve this, they made a significant decision: the series would primarily unfold in Spanish, marking a first for Adult Swim.
“Telling this story in English would feel disingenuous,” Cordova stated. “It would have been a capitulation to marketability, and as an artist, my goal is to resist those pressures. The studio’s role is to challenge me, and that dynamic can create fascinating results.”
At the heart of Women Wearing Shoulder Pads is the story of Marioneta Negocios, portrayed by Pepa Pallarés, a savvy entrepreneur from Spain who has carved out a luxurious life in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. While many locals regard cuyes (the Ecuadorian term for guinea pigs) as a cultural delicacy, Marioneta views them as beloved pets. Her ambition drives her to undermine the cuy market, a move that poses a threat to her rival, Doña Quispe, played by Laura Torres, who dominates the cuy meat industry. This plan's repercussions extend to her tumultuous lover, Espada (Kerygma Flores), a woman who fights cuyes in grand stadiums.
The absurdity woven throughout each episode captures the essence of classic Adult Swim programming. Expect spontaneous musical numbers, whimsical scenes of characters riding giant cuyes, and a blend of animation with live-action cutaways. However, what sets Women Wearing Shoulder Pads apart is its cinematic flair and cultural specificity, a vision that deeply resonated with the Ambriz brothers, whose previous work leaned towards supernatural themes.
“Cordova’s insistence on maintaining a Latin American authenticity, coupled with the show's absurdity, was exhilarating,” Roy remarked. “We often see Hispanic characters through a lens that overlooks important cultural nuances.”
Cordova, a lifelong admirer of Almodóvar’s distinctive storytelling, aspired for Women Wearing Shoulder Pads to pay homage to the director's unique narrative style. While the series isn’t a parody, it embraces comedy, requiring an exaggerated storytelling approach to elicit humor. This focus on female experiences and explicitly queer relationships reflects Almodóvar’s influence, emphasizing that even straight characters can inhabit queer narratives.
“The real humor lies in the series' technical ambition,” Cordova explained. Initially considering marionettes, he opted for stop-motion animation, which afforded greater creative freedom. “In live-action, I dreamed of dynamic camera angles that were impossible to achieve. With animation, I could bring those visions to life.”
The Ambriz brothers noted that achieving fluid and dynamic camera movements is among the most challenging aspects of stop-motion production. Cordova envisioned heightened dramatic lighting and intricate shadows, which further complicated the process. Each scene required meticulous, handcrafted shots, contributing to the series' distinct visual narrative.
“From the outset, Gonzalo emphasized a high-concept approach to cinematography,” Arturo shared. “Every shot had to be unique, which is a challenge in stop-motion, where standardization is common.”
As Women Wearing Shoulder Pads approaches its season one finale, it promises to conclude a significant chapter in Marioneta’s journey. Cordova remains open to revisiting this world from new perspectives, hinting at the possibility of continued storytelling. “My intention is for each season to fully embrace the title,” Cordova noted. “We’ll introduce new women and their stories while allowing familiar characters to return in fresh contexts.”
The next episode of Women Wearing Shoulder Pads premieres this Sunday on Adult Swim, with the entire season set to air as a feature-length special on HBO Max on September 29th. This innovative series not only entertains but also enriches the ongoing conversation about Latin American culture and identity in contemporary media.
