O Palhaço

The Clown is a charming Brazilian film from 2011 that's definitely worth a watch! Directed by Selton Mello, who also stars as the lead character, Paiva, the film delves into the life of a circus clown navigating personal identity and the bittersweet struggles of life behind the makeup. What I loved most about it is its balance between comedy and deeper emotional moments. It's definitely a story about finding one's place in the world, which resonates with everyone in some way. The cinematography captures the vibrant yet melancholic atmosphere of the circus beautifully, and the performances are heartfelt, especially Mello's portrayal of a clown grappling with feelings of inadequacy and longing. The film is filled with small, touching moments-like the bond between Paiva and his fellow performers-that really pull you in.

It's funny, it's sad, and it's oddly uplifting.

In his second work as director, Selton Mello was able to abstract from simplicity and ingenuous humor an exceptional and complete piece. A very short film, without clichés or redundancies, that touches us as well as makes us laugh at simple scenes. Remarks on the Brazilian dramaturgy pearls recovered in unique scenes. We got to understand the clown's agony without getting blue, and we follow his search for a reason. Exceptionally, the first hour with all its monotony flies and we do not realize. As the last half hour conclusion (with a "golden key", as one would say) widens so we can enjoy every second. Simplicity, ingenuity, genius that make reach the completeness of the show.

I've saw the movie "O Palhaço" and my expectation about the movie was positive, because they really show the beginning of the circus, and was just like this. If you compare with a modern circle, you won't like the movie, because they are in another reality.

Between the old circus and the circus of nowadays the clown will always be the celebrity.

About director, actors, everyone did a great job, same as the soundtrack who gives to the movie the truth perspective, by the way the soundtrack is amazing.

So, I recommend this movie.

This is a dramatic masterpiece with beautiful photography, innocent and slight humor, huge symbolism in between the details and a great plot.

The ambiance: Brazil's rural areas in the late '80s(?) show a decadence which is perfect for the simplicity which is willing to be transmitted. A search for the essential, for the true vocation, down to the most innocent and oniric will of a human being.

Please, don't be shallow to call it "boring", it's not. It's not boring to value the most simple, slight and innocent feelings in instead of big mourning drama or breathtaking hilariousness. You just have to let out your concerns and allow yourself to be involved by the plot like a child. And then, you'll be surprised by having a huge contemplative smile while a small teardrop falls at the corner of your eyes.

It's a short movie, but it's wonderful. There's nothing new in it, but it makes us to remember how simple life used to be. We can see in this movie the purity of Carlitos in the main character, and how circus was important in people lives before television. It brings back some old actors who haven't seen for long as Ferrugem, Jose Loureiro, Paulo José and Moacir Franco. It's a movie that you can see with all family, there are no obscenities. It's a comedy, but you almost cry in some parts with the beauty of the plot. I must say this is the best Brazilian movie of the year and Selton Melo is becoming not only a good actor, but also a good director.