Orfeu

Orfeu mixes elements of Greek mythology and classical theatre with Brazilian telenovelas. That may sound like a recipe for disaster, but to me the director actually pulled it off.

It was fascinating to me as someone from Western Europe to see how different life in the favelas is (both in good and bad ways), and to see the ancient Greek story set in such a different context. The cinematography is also great.

I can see how some would be disappointed if they were expecting to get immersed into a convincing story set in the midst of a full blown carnival extravaganza though.

The main characters Orfeu and Euridice didn't really come to life to me as genuine likable individuals that I could identify with, but more as the original Greek personas. However most other members of the cast did not have this "problem" and provided plenty of convincing drama.

Also although we are treated to some scenes of the amazing Rio carnival, the director doesn't really seem to immerse us in that world of extravagance. We are almost looking at it from a distance, as if to say it's not that important to the actual story.

To sum it all up: what makes Brazil interesting is that it is such a melting pot, and melting very different elements into a lively stew is exactly what happens in Orfeu. It may not always be that easy to digest, but boring it is not!

I actually liked this movie, though others I know found it alright. We actually watched it in my Intro to Film and Video class...at first I didn't know if I would be able to follow it as well, since I had to read the subtitles (in English), however I quickly got engrossed in the setting and use of night and day. Though I found the "drug lord" character not to be the best actor, nor some of the other characters in the film, I found the music to be the key for this film. The use of awesomely bright colors and loud pulsating music brought the Carnival scene to life for me as a viewer. The love attraction of Orfeu and Euridice was a little weak, but the imagery is well done. Though the story at times strays from the original Greek myth it was based on, it was an interesting twist on it. I think some of you will enjoy it, and others not. It sort of feels like the modern day Romeo and Juliet with Leo DeCaprio (sorta). So if you found that interesting, you might like this film too!

I just got back from Orfeu. I wish I could say this movie was good, cause I like Diegues, but it was not. His excellent movie Quilombo sold me on his historical honesty and ability to tell a story. Using the backdrop of Rio and Carival you don't even get a sense of the city and the joy of the Carnival. He uses some shots that show the beauty of the city and intricate scene shots but there just isn't enough. The acting is not good. It was poorly cast. The female roles should have been re-arranged. Mira should have played the "best dancer". The best dancer should have played Euridice and Euridice should have been eliminated and barred from the set. The lead role of Orfeu was decent enough, but he needed much more to play off of. And there was no romance. This was a disappointment.

Orfeu Negro for the 90's. Complete with laptops, cell phones and automatic weopons in the hillside ghetto of Rio de Jainero. Visually the movie is great. I especially enjoyed the lead actor playing Orfeo, and the actors playing his mother, father and the teen-ghetto artist Michael. Orfeo and Euridice never quite connect in a powerful way. So emotionally the movie didn't move me as strongly as it might have. I did enjoy watching the Carnival and the music in the film is very nice.

I liked this movie. It was very well done and the director was awesome. This history can serve of an example to everybody. Sorry for my terrible English, but this movie was very good. The actuation of the actors was great. I recommend it to the lovers.