If you have even the slightest interest in latsploitation, it’s only a matter of time before you come across El Día de los Albañiles (The Day of the Bricklayers). Released in 1984, this film embodies everything that was “wrong” with Mexican cinema in the 1980s. However, the film managed to become somewhat popular and was followed by three sequels, titled more or less the same, in 1985, 1987 and 1990.

 

EL DÍA DE LOS ALBAÑILES
Mexico, 1984, Adolfo Martínez Solares

A weak plot used as a vehicle to deliver raunchy humor and plenty of nudity is the first element that makes El Día de los Albañiles a fine example of the cheapest brand of mid-80s latsploitation. Basically, a group of bricklayers whose only focus seems to be getting laid find out that their boss, the architect of the project they’re currently working on, is a serial killer with a knack for killing prostitutes and getting rid of his own workers. Throwing caution to the wind, and managing to somehow party and pursue women as if none of what they learn is affecting them in any way, shape or form, the bricklayers investigate their boss. Typical comedy ensues and, in the end, the workers unveil the evil architect, who was killing his workers to collect insurance.

As mentioned above, this film is a jewel in terms of how it exemplifies the “worst” mexploitation has to offer. In fact, it’s common to find negative comments in Spanish-language film blogs because, apparently, some folks are ashamed of this movie and the way it became a relatively well-known series. While there is plenty to be ashamed of, like bad acting, some of the least attractive women in latsploitation history and atrocious editing, writer and director Adolfo Martínez Solares deserves some kudos for the way he decided to mix the usual “spicy” comedy with just plain weird writing. For example, the movie contains lines like this: “I was so pretty when I was a baby that my nanny, instead of giving me her breasts, gave me her ass cheeks!” or “What’s up, Mustache Made With Armpit Hairs?”

Another element that makes this film interesting is the way the nudity comes out of nowhere and, like some of the writing, makes no sense. In the first third of the movie, one of the bricklayers pushes a woman against the wall, pulls her shirt open, and proceeds to rub the sides of his face (yes, the sides, not his mouth or nose) against her breasts while moaning and rolling his eyes. In another wonderfully bizarre scene, which has no nudity but is supposed to be sexy, a woman dances/exercises while wearing a unitard, tons of makeup, and ridiculously high heels.

I’m sure you’ve seen movies that make you say: “Wow, this is so bad it’s good.” If you enjoy having those experiences, then definitely put this one on your list.