Durval Discos

One of the best brazilian movies I've seen. Just the end that there could be another solution to problems.

I watched Durval Discos in my Portuguese class at my university. The dialogue was fairly easy to understand. The film begins in a lighthearted manner with rather typical characters, Durval and his mother. They lead a rather dull life until their newly hired maid disappears suddenly leaving her 5 year old daughter behind. At first the child is charming to Carmita (Durval's mother) and Durval, but later they find that the situation is not at all as it seems and the film goes from lighthearted to incredibly dark, not lacking elements of dark humor typical to Latin American cinema. I was completely surprised and could not have guessed the ending. I would suggest this to anyone interested in foreign films and Brazilian culture.

The plot is a simple story which develops into a bizarre tragic-comedy. For all lovers of Brazilian music, this film is a great opportunity to (re)listen some unforgettable classics of the late 60s and early 70s. The ones used to Brazilian TV will recognize comedy actresses like veteran Etty Fraser and humor star Marisa Orth. Brazil´s rock queen, Rita Lee, also appears paying a tribute to MPB, Brazil´s valuable contribution to the international music scenario.

No, vinyl will never die, which unfortunately for the environment is true on several levels. But I digress. I LOVED "Durval Discos" for so many reasons, starting with the clever opening credits that not only pulled me right into the scene but had me sighing with saudade to be back in a Brazilian city and experiencing the everyday flow of life there. Secondly there was the homage to MPB which had me feeling as reverent as the character Fat Marley when he comes across a certain LP in the bin - easily the funniest scene in the movie. That is, unless you count the one where Durval is explaining just why vinyl LPs are better than CDs, which he refuses to sell in his shop. To me, with all those classic records at his fingertips, Durval had the dream job of all time, yet his peaceful existence was about to be shattered like a brittle 78. Despite the puzzling ending, I was glad that the movie kept its edge and never descended into the "cute kiddie wins over curmudgeonly bachelor" formula. Etty Fraser is fantastic as the out-of control (would-be) grandma. See this if you get the chance!

I knew this was a movie that was supposed to start as a light comedy and get crazy along the way. But I was surprised at the madness that ensued. I left this one feeling rather weird. Some might feel it is way too heavy for comfort. It certainly dares to be different. And the music is great.