The odd title ("animal with seven heads") is actually a popular expression in Brazil, and is used to describe something very complicated or complex.
This movie is based on real events as described on the book Canto dos Malditos (Corner of the Damned), by Austragésilo Carrano Bueno, who spent much time in Hospital Espírita de Psiquiatria Bom Retiro and Hospital de Neuro Psiquiatria do Paraná, both in Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
The book is quite hard to obtain even in portuguese, as Austragésilo cited many physicians by name (leading among them Dr. Alô Ticolaut Guimarães) and they sued to remove the books from the shelves, obtaining a court order after only 7 months of being published. Thus, the movie omits all real names used by the book.
The book is quite hard to obtain even in portuguese, as Austragésilo cited many physicians by name (leading among them Dr. Alô Ticolaut Guimarães) and they sued to remove the books from the shelves, obtaining a court order after only 7 months of being published. Thus, the movie omits all real names used by the book.
Based on real events.
Rodrigo Santoro credits his international recognition, and consequent opportunities in foreign productions, to this film.