Chapter One, "The Idea" Summary and Analysis

The body of Rebel Without a Crew consists of Robert Rodriguez's diary. In this chapter dealing with how Rodriguez developed the idea for his movie, his entries go from March 8th through May 29th of 1991.

Rodriguez arrives at Ciudad Acusa feeling sick. He is introduced to Alfonso Arau, the director of Like Water for Chocolate and his wife, Laura Esquivel, the author of the novel that the movie is based upon. After a visit to the doctor, Rodriguez finally feels better, so on his following visit to the set, he gives a copy of "Bedhead" to Laura Esquivel, hoping that she can get her busy husband to watch it, too. He was right; the next day, Laura and Alfonso both congratulate his directing skills.

The production manager makes an offer to Rodriguez and...