Movie No. 15 (2016): TABU
Tabu (2012)
Director: Miguel Gomes
Cast: Teresa Madruga, Laura Soveral, Ana Moreira, Carloto Cotta
In Portuguese, with English subtitles
The movie is in two parts. The first part (called Paradise Lost) shows Aurora in present-day Lisbon as a hard-headed old woman in his twilight years and who has nearly lost her riches to gambling, just like her father. The second part, called Paradise, is ironically called such. It shows young and carefree Aurora in Mozambique with her husband. I'm not sure if the paradise being referred to is Aurora's illicit affair with her husband's friend (Gian Luca) and her frequent game hunting. Both parts are in black-and-white cinematography. The second part, however, is more grainy to make it appear like classic films of the 50s or 60s. It really works well. The decision to make the second part almost like a silent film is a good decision to make it appear like it's the sole version or point of view that we can hear from the narrator - the old Gian Luca - after Aurora's death.
Director: Miguel Gomes
Cast: Teresa Madruga, Laura Soveral, Ana Moreira, Carloto Cotta
In Portuguese, with English subtitles
The movie is in two parts. The first part (called Paradise Lost) shows Aurora in present-day Lisbon as a hard-headed old woman in his twilight years and who has nearly lost her riches to gambling, just like her father. The second part, called Paradise, is ironically called such. It shows young and carefree Aurora in Mozambique with her husband. I'm not sure if the paradise being referred to is Aurora's illicit affair with her husband's friend (Gian Luca) and her frequent game hunting. Both parts are in black-and-white cinematography. The second part, however, is more grainy to make it appear like classic films of the 50s or 60s. It really works well. The decision to make the second part almost like a silent film is a good decision to make it appear like it's the sole version or point of view that we can hear from the narrator - the old Gian Luca - after Aurora's death.
The prologue may be considered the third part. But, as it is just a prologue, it may only prepare us to the impending narrative. The crocodile that's recurring in Paradise may be symbolic of the reincarnation of a doomed love affair presented in the proloque.
The movie is smart and captivating.
Rating: 4.0/4.0
Date seen: February 14, 2016
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