'Machete' may not receive Texas film grant

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The head of the Texas Film Commission says he is debating whether Robert Rodriguez's new film "Machete" deserves to receive Texas film incentives.

"Machete," which opens nationwide Friday, portrays corrupt Texas politicians embroiled in the fight against illegal immigration. Bob Hudgins, the head of the Texas Film Commission, says it's his job to determine whether the film casts Texas in a negative light, thereby disqualifying it for state grants of between 5 percent and 17.5 percent of production costs, the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman reported Saturday.

"Am I thrilled at the prospect of having to tell the most prolific filmmaker in the history of Texas no?" Hudgins said. "No! I wouldn't be excited about doing that. If I have to make that determination, I have to make that determination. I am not saying I am. But, gosh, you know especially when these filmmakers have brought so much to Texas."

Rodriguez's films have grossed more than $620 million since his 1992 debut, "El Mariachi."

Rodriguez collaborator Elizabeth Avellan says there's nothing out of the ordinary about the film.

"A lot of people made up a lot of stuff in terms of what the movie is about and who the bad guy is. … You know, in every state there's certainly been plenty of crooked politicians," she said.

In the film, Robert DeNiro plays corrupt Texas politician Sen. McLaughlin, who proposes killing "the parasites" during a re-election campaign dominated by illegal immigration.