The first and only film directed by Antunes Filho "Compasso de Espera" ("A Waiting Period") is one of the true greatest Brazilian films of all
time (and I'm not saying that lightly) yet it's also one of the least known in here. Antunes critical take on racial equality, social relationships
between whites and blacks in apparently afluent backgrounds feels as something ahead of its time, which makes of its view now something widely relevant
and fitting. It comes off as strong, potent, intelligent and angry just as the cinema of Spike Lee would provide us decades later (one can easily
compare it with "Jungle Fever") but without the strict division of races he makes in his films. If back then such story was considered incendiary and
subversisve by the military regime that thought racism wasn't a thing (the film was censored and would only get released in 1973), today we can see it
as a very realistic view of society and its divisions (past and present, with some considerable progress).
Zózimo Bulbul plays Jorge, an intellectual young black poet, specialized in black culture and politics, who is the lover of a white advertising chief
(Elida Palmer), of whom he provides some work too. No strings attached, they meet whenever they can, either in each one's apartments or in some cultural
event. One night he meets Cristina (Renée de Vielmond), also a white woman, who comes from a wealthy family of which she rejects their elitist views. A
great connection of ideas and mutual admiration is formed and they both fall in love. The obvious obstacles come from their families; the other woman
and her jealousy for being traded; and a society full of prejudices who can't stand seeing the union of races.
The director/writer poses many provoking questions to audiences, as we root for the main couple but also understanding the conflict they're into.
They're very careless and comfortable in their own bubble, paying no mind to whoever is judging them, failing to realize that their inner circle might
see some problem on the way (as evidenced by a friend of Jorge, involved with a sort of Black Panthers type of group, and they argue constantly), and
even complete strangers who just by seeing them having a good time feel the need to harass them - in one of the most painful moments in film history when
they're attacked by a group of fishermen at a beach - or the simple fact of renting a hotel room as the desk guy turns them down because the manager wouldn't
allow a black man with a white woman. So, is it wrong that they're being too forward in a society that sees a divided line? Can this relationship
survive against all odds and be accepted by society or they could live their lives and ignore everything else?
The only answer given to their complicated relationship comes from its almost enigmatic title. Basically, Antunes believed that the racial equality was
possible and important for a society's better development but that would require time, plenty of time and it'd come in a very slow manner through working
relations and friendships; the loving aspect, dating and marriage would be far ahead, despite the social/economical equality presented between Jorge and Cristina
(though he comes from a poor family, he managed to accomplish great deeds and become an influent member of society). When many soap operas addressed those
controversial themes years later they got positive and strong reactions from the public (as a close media than films are) but it was always playing safe with a didatic exposure of
elements. "Compasso de Espera" presents greatly constructed moments that feel close to reality, despite showing a black man in a small circle of influent
intellectuals, a rarity back then.
Apart from the story, its absorbing message and its overall dealing with a thoughtful theme, we also have the great acting from the cast. They're
all brilliant and memorable. I was blown away and mesmerized with the quality of everything, a rare diamond of a film that is worth seeing and worth
discussing. Now more than ever. 10/10.
