The historical event full of hope that took place on January 1, 1959, and which gave rise to so much joy and admiration and so many expectations, has at the very least become part of a mythical narrative that justifies relations and institutions in the so-called revolutionary world. The films of Tomás Gutiérrez Alea have helped us to escape the revolutionary myth and its legitimizing function. His work allows us to approach an understanding of the multifaceted Cuban reality. By closely analyzing the films made during the four decades of revolution experienced by the director, we will be better able to understand the present situation of the Cuban regime. Thanks to the highly analytical and rhetorical insight of his films we have been able to look beyond the historical phenomenon that is the Cuban revolution.