"Amor e Desamor" ("With or Without Love") follows the existential crisis faced by a disillusioned college professor (Leonardo Villar) as he
examines his life, work and his love relationships, and the constant battle between reason and emotion which doesn't allow him to succeed with women or
to evolve personally. Gerson Tavares' directorial debut is deep, inquisitive and very depressive, but at the same time it's an honest look about
what people look for in relationship and it challenges us in knowing if we can be honest to another person and honest to ourselves. Through the
only three characters present in the story we can identify what's going wrong with them, what could make it all right, and witness the troubled
humanity of them all, with qualities and flaws.
The story takes place in Brasília, Brazil's capital, and the city is shown as a very progressive place in constant growth, very agitated and
cultural despite being the heart of politics and politicians (which sounds boring to the average people). In the beginning of the film, a sudden
reunion of Alberto, the professor, with Norma (Leina Krespi) a good friend of his, sparks an interest from both parties and they decide to have a
night out in his apartment, drinking, talking and flirting. She provokes him in a hard manner, always reminding him of Selma (Betty Faria), a girlfriend
he had and their romance didn't work out well - that relationship is told through flashbacks as he keep remembering of her at the same time he's spending a
somewhat good time with Norma (who is married to Henrique, who's travelling abroad). They get involved as the night progresses, as there seemed to be a
mutual attraction but it always comes a time when certain decisions must be made in knowing if they want to keep a relationship or if it's just a
one night stand.
Like many serious films of similar topics made in the 1960's and onwards, it's a very reflective and straightforward picture that doesn't
illudes with colorful moments of romance and love. There's tenderness, some cheerful moments, there's sex but it gives plenty of serious dialogues,
discussions, heartbreaks, sad memories and a deep questioning about the life and the relationships the three characters are leading. The flashbacks
with Selma are devastating to watch as she realizes the man next to her doesn't fulfill her expectations, he's cold and distant, almost heartless yet
if he keeps on telling that he loves her. The attitude and the actions doesn't seem to indicate that, or maybe she's too demanding on a man who's very
reluctant in demonstrating affection or knowing what he wants from life. Jealousy gets in the way when the two couples make a boat trip; Selma notices
something while Henrique is totally in the dark.
Besides the forementioned reasons, if you can get past the downer heavy drama and allow yourself to take a closer look at how relationships
are either formed or destroyed, the acting from the trio of actors are outstanding (Villar is always a pleasure to watch). A rare and good Brazilian film
from the 1960's, one that dares to question if one can find happiness and a good life without loving someone or something. 8/10.
